



THREE DISCOURSES 



UPON THE 



|idigi0W5 Jist0rj 



OF 



IJnitthin Cnllfg^ 



THREE DISCOURSES 



UPON J H E 



RELIGIOUS HISTORY 



OF 



BOWDUIN COLLEGE 



DURING THE ADMINISTRATIONS OF 



PRESIDENTS M'KEEN, APPLETON, & ALLEN. 



EGBERT (f i^xMYTH, 



COLLINS PROFESSOR OF NATURAL AND REVEALED RELIGION. 



BRUNSWICK: 
PUBLISHED BY J. GRIFFIN. 

1858. 



\ 

I 




i 

0) BOWDOIN COLLEGE, JULY 26, 1S5S. 

To Prof. E. C. Smyth. 

Sir: — In behalf of the students we respectfully solicit, for pub- 
lication, a copy of your very interesting and valuable Lectures upon the 
Reliiijious History of the CoUese. Deemino; them a treasure well worth 
our possession, and being desirous that the benefits arising from them 
may not be confined to ourselves, but extended to all the friends of the 
College, we earnestly hope you will comply with our desire. 

Yours, respectfully, 

C. H. Howard, ^ 

VV.M. L. Haskell, \ Commitlef.. 

C. 0. Hunt, ^ 



BOWDOIN COLLEGE, JULY 31, 1858. 

Gentlemen, 

The Discourses which you request for publication are cheer- 
fully placed at your disposal. Any labor they may have cost has been 
abundantly rewarded by the generous interest with which they were 
listened to, and by the kind appreciation so pleasingly expressed in 
your note. 

Allow me to add a word of explanation,— not necessary for you, 
perhaps, — but for others into whose hands they may come. 

My original design simply was to prepare a brief account of some 
past seasons of religious interest in the history of the College, to be 
read at the Concert of Prayer for Colleges in February last. The 
materials gathered with this end in view, demanded, it was thought, 
ampler treatment ; hence the method adopted. The principal object, 
however, has still been an immediate and practical one ; and the course 
of thought pursued has been determined, in some measure, by the exis- 
ting religious condition of the College, 



In the statement of facts I have studiously endeavored to be accu- 
rate. In the sketches of religious character which have been intro- 
duced, my aim has been to draw attention to the sources of Christian 
usefulness, and to indicate personal traits at once real and worthy of 
emulation. I have accordingly dwelt upon excellences, and have only 
hinted at defects. The circumstances, moreover, in which the discourses 
were delivered, rendered this the most seemly course ; as they have also 
limited my allusions to those who were active in some of the scenes de- 
scri)>ed. Some of those here referred to are still officers of the College. 
For obvious reasons their connection with the past has been scarcely 
noticed. Yet I may not refrain here from assuring them, upon the 
evidence contained in many letters from their earlier pupils to the author, 
that the memory of their religious activity and fidelity is warmly cher- 
ished by many grateful hearts. 

Hoping, Gentlemen, that these discourses may prove a not unworthy 
<}ontribution to the history of our beloved College, iind especially that 
they may be blest^ed to the highest good of those forming their charac- 
ters under its fostering care, for whom they were prepared, 

I remain, very truly yours, 

Egbert C. Smyth. 

J^Iessrs. C. H. Howard, and others, 

Committee. 



FIRST DISCOURSE. 



DELIVERED SABBATH EVENING, FEBEUAEY 21, 1858. 



Life within College walls is usually a counterpart to life 
without ; the College is " society in miniature." In order 
to a just appreciation of the character and spirit of the 
smaller community, it is necessary to know somethiug of the 
prevalent principles and sentiments and habits of the larger 
society from which the former receives its members. 

The period in which Bowdoin College was incorporated 
and established, was one marked by general religious declen* 
sion. The second quarter of the last century was marked 
by wide spread and powerful revivals of religion. They ex- 
tended over New England and Eastern New York, and 
other States. Then came the French and the Revolutionary 
wars, and the formation of a new government. The public 
mind was engrossed with civil, domestic, and political inter- 
ests. The moral energy of the people was absorbed in the 
excitement of the struggle for national independence, and in 
the stormy political contests that followed. War, moreover, 
even when waged for the most worthy ends, tends to un- 
settle and corrupt the public mind. This has twice been 
demonstrated in the course of our history, — in the period 
which we are considering, and in that which nearly corres- 
ponds in the preceding century, — the period of the Indian 
wars and of the violent civil contests in the mother country. 
The struggle for civil freedom, we may be assured, has not 
upon the whole proved injurious to the interests of religion, 
for religion can only thrive best where such liberty is enjoyed. 



But the immediate results were bad. Soldiers learned the 
vices of the camp and brought them home when they were 
discharged from service. Ministers gradually forgot their 
great message in their interest in the prominent questions of 
the day. The aid afforded by France in our time of need 
bound us by strong ties to that brave nation. French refu- 
gees came over in great numbers. They introduced new 
and popular amusements, and principles utterly subver^sive 
of religion and morality and social order. They came as 
friends. Men greedily caught up their infidel notions. 
They spread like wildfire over the land. President Dwight 
encountered them at Yale. " At the time he became Presi- 
dent," writes Judge Roger Sherman, then himself a Tutor in 
Yale College, " infidelity, the offspring of the French school, 
was extensively prevalent among the undergraduates, and 
throughout this State. Laymen of distinction generally and 
our most eminent lawyers, especially, were its advocates."* 
" French liberty and French philosophy," writes an early 
member of Williams College of the state of things there at 
the same time, " poured in upon us like a flood, and seemed 
to sweep everything serious before it."f That it reached the 
villages and towns in this vicinity, is evident from the publi- 
cation, in 1802, of two sermons designed to resist the in- 
gress of French infidelity and licentiousness, by the minis- 
ter of Yarmouth, a brother-in-law of President M'Keen. 
From all that I can learn, I should infer that there were not 
many persons in this region who so far yielded to the Anti- 
Christian influences which were imported from France, as 
to become settled infidels. But there was a general paraly- 
sis of faith. The pulpit often gave an uncertain sound, 
and ceased reasoning of righteousness, temperance, and a 
judgment to come. Sinners, if they attended the sanctuary, 
in very many of our parishes could sit Sabbath after Sab- 
bath and hear nothing which touched the conscience. One 

* Sprague's Annals of the American Pulpit, vol. 2, p. 164. 
t See Prof. Hopkins's instructive narrative of revivals of religion in Williams 
College. Am. Quart. Regr. 1841. 



good man who preached here, as a candidate, so that a sense 
of sin was awakened in the bosoms of sorne of his hearers, 
was refused a call for this reason alone. The degeneracy in 
doctrine was nearly as marked as the corruption of morals. 
And this was fearful. In several parishes in this vicinity the 
ministers were notoriously intemperate. Rum flowed down 
our streets. Sabbath breaking and profaneness were great- 
ly prevalent. The population had outgrown the means of 
education. There was little religious instruction afforded 
the young, — they were seldom catechised. There were no 
Sabbath Schools. Moral restraints generally were deplora- 
bly relaxed. It was a rare spectacle if a young man con- 
fessed before men his Redeemer. Very few of the young 
were members of ttie churches. 

Such was the state of things when the friends of educa- 
tion and religion embarked in the enterprise of establishing 
here a seminary of learning. In 1788, the Cumberland As- 
sociation of Ministers and the Court of Sessions for this 
county, severally petitioned the General Court of Massachu- 
setts for a charter upon which to found a College in the 
County of Cumberland. In 1794, an Act incorporating a 
College to bear the name of Bowdoin, and to be located in 
the District of Maine, passed both houses of the General 
Court and received the signature of Samuel Adams. In 
1802, President M'Keen and Professor Abbot were installed, 
and eight applicants were examined and admitted as Fresh- 
men. 

In the first eight classes I can learn of but one who may 
have been deemed, at the time of admission, hopefully pious; 
and i't is doubtful whether he had made a public profession 
of religion. 

During the first four years of Dr. M' Keen's presidency, 
though some of the students were thoughtful, upright, and 
possessed of fine intellectual abilities and social qualities, 
there was not one, it is believed, who was a member of any 
church or who believed and hoped in Christ as his Saviour. 
" Religion," writes one who was then a member of College, 



8 

" Religion was connected with the College only in the per- 
son of President M'Keen. He ivas christian, courteous, ac- 
cessible, venerable, and universally beloved ; but what could 
this avail, when, in each college room, there was a side- 
board sparkling with wines and stronger stimulants."* 

It will be instructive and interesting to observe how re- 
ligion, from this, in many respects, unpromising beginning, 
obtained footing in the College, and struggled onwards to 
a seat of decided influence and control. 

One cause of hope, at the outset, that the College would 
serve, in God's providence, a religious end, was the fact that it 
early enlisted the sympathies and services of those who had 
at heart the spiritual welfare of men. While many were in- 
terested in it chiefly as a literary institution, others were 
more deeply moved to labor for its prosperity by the hope 
that it w^ould become a nursery of scriptural, intelligent, de- 
voted piety. The Puritan spirit, which united learning and 
godliness, and which regarded spiritual wisdom as the per- 
fect fruit of all true culture, and the glory of God as its best 
and noblest end, still lived in their hearts. In the Act of in- 
corporation of the College it is gratifying to notice that the 
promotion of " virtue and piety " is first mentioned as the 
object had in view in its foundation. A few Christians, it is 
worth while also to notice, in this and the adjoining village, 
who had not succumbed to the evil influences of their day, 
were wont, very early in the history of the College, to meet 
for prayer in its behalf. Its first President, also, in the lan- 
guage of onef who was well acquainted with his character 
and influence, was " a man of piety as well as a scholar," 
"a Puritan in heart," "a humble pupil of the Redeemer.":^ 

* See Appendix A. f Rev. Dr. Jenks. 

X One incident I may mention which illustrates the firmness of his convic- 
tions of truth and duty. The parish, with whom the studentS; as now, were 
wont to worship, employed a minister whose sentiments the President deemed 
unscriptural and loose. He immediately, with characteristic decision, gave 
notice that he should preach on the Sabbath in the Chapel. He did so, as did 
his successor in office, until the parish pulpit was supplied by a man of evan- 
gelical faiih. 



V 



His early death removed him from this field of his useful- 
ness before he had ushered a second class intp the duties of 
active life. But, though his career was so short, he should 
always be remembered with gratitude, not only for his suc- 
cessful efforts to organize the instruction of the College, and 
to secure a course and standard of study not inferior to those 
of the oldest institutions in the country ; but equally for his 
constant recognition of higher ends in education than the 
development of mental energies, and cultivation in letters 
and science. In his Inaugural Address, he reminds his hear- 
ers that literary institutions are founded and endowed for the 
common good; and that those who obtain an education by 
their aid are under peculiar obligations to use their talents 
for the public welfare. He affirms it to be a sacred duty, 
which the governors and instructors of a seminary of learn- 
ing owe to God and to society, to guard the morals of the 
youth committed to their care ; and, in humble dependence 
upon the Divine blessing, to form their minds to virtue and 
usefulness. He recognizes as " doubtless the object of this 
institution," that the people of Maine " may have of their 
own sons to fill the liberal professions among them, and par- 
ticularly to instruct them in the principles of our holy re- 
ligion :" and, in conclusion, he entreats " all good men here 
present to unite in fervent supplications to the great Father 
of light, knowledge, and all good, that his blessing may de- 
scend upon this seminary ; that it may eminently contribute 
to the advancement of useful knowledge, the religion of 
Jesus Christ, the best interests of man, and the glory of 
God." None, we are assured, who were present four years 
after his inauguration, at the first Commencement, were likely 
to forget the impressive exclamation which fell from his lips, 
as he gave a parting address to the only class he lived to 
crowi. with the honors of the College : — " God forbid that you 
should ever be ashamed to be governed by the principles of 
the Gospel of Jesus Christ." These principles controlled his 
administration. We would ever remember that the College 
was thus dedicated, in its infancy, to the service of Christ. 
2 



10 

In December, 1807, President Appleton entered inta the 
labors of his predecessor in office. He soon identified him- 
self with the religious interests of the College. President 
M' Keen had established a biblical exercise. This his suc- 
cessor continued to conduct during the whole term of his 
office ; meeting the students for this purpose, in the chapel, 
on Sabbath evening. Several manuscript volumes of his 
questions, used on these occasions, are now in the possession 
of his biographer. Beside the multiplied and arduous labors 
of the recitation room, which were always attended to with 
conscientious exactness, and were often productive of deep 
moral and religious impressions, he elaborated with great 
care upwards of fifty theological lectures, which were deliv- 
ered, in the chapel, on alternate Thursday afternoons. He 
also delivered, at Commencement, to eleven successive class- 
es, parting addresses ; in w^hich, to use his own words, " he 
eagerly seized the few moments which remained of their 
college life, with design to produce or perpetuate moral im- 
pressions." His voice, too, was often heard in prayer and 
piouB discourse in the village conference room and church, 
or where large assemblies were convened for high philan- 
thropic and religious ends. His Lectures, his Baccalaureate 
Addresses, and many of his sermons, have, for some time, 
been in print. The judgment of those best qualified to decide 
upon their merits has assigned them a place among our most 
select New England theological and ethical classics. They 
never should be allowed to slumber upon the shelves of our 
libraries. In thought and style they remind me, as I read 
them, of the pure gold seen by the prophet in heavenly vision, 
at once solid, transparent, massive. 

Beside the influence which such weighty and lucid dis- 
course always exerts upon a thoughtful community, was that 
which ever flowed from its author's personal character. He 
was, in no common degree, a holy man. We naturally think 
of him as the sainted Appleton. Holiness seemed in him, 
we may almost say, personified ; though, perhaps, in its graver 
form, as we may suppose it to have appeared in John Howe, 



11 

or Owen, or any of the more eminent Puritan Divines. The 
spirit of his piety appears in this brief extract from his diary; 
" One week of tender, lively, and prayerful views of God, 
Christ, and the gospel, is better than years of intellectual 
research that has no near connection with Jesus and his 
religion. O God, make me spiritual." He was eminently 
a man of prayer. He was much upon the mount, and when 
he came down and mingled in the scenes where duty led him, 
there proceeded from him a holy influence which few could 
wholly resist. If to this power of moral and spiritual im- 
pression which grew out of the elevation and purity of his 
character, and to the power which he possessed of presenting 
the gi'eat principles of religion with what has been described 
as an almost angelic clearness of conception ; if to the in- 
struction respecting Duty, and Moral government, and the rea- 
sonableness and authority of the Christian faith, which, in 
all the forms of public address, and upon every suitable oc- 
casion, — in the parish church, in the reciting room, at evening 
prayers, in the enforcement of college laws, — the President 
was ever communicating; if to all this mass of light, and 
wealth of moral influence, and unshrinking public fidelity, 
there had been added more of private intercourse and close 
personal conversation with his pupils, and especially a more 
frequent and full presentation of the Redeemer, in the attrac- 
tions of his glorious Person, and the power of the love which 
led him to bleed upon the cross for poor and lost sinners : — it 
may be questioned whether the success, humanly speaking, 
of his religious teaching would not have been even greater 
than it was ; at least whether the deep impressions which he 
often did make upon the conscience, and which in after years 
resulted in the conversion unto God of their subjects, might 
not earlier have borne their fruit It is, however, his richly 
deserved encomium, that, at a period of great religious de- 
clension, when many were making shipwreck of the faith, 
he defended and powerfully enforced the great doctrines of 
the Cross; and that, when it seemed to be generally conceded 
that youth was not the age in which religious character could 



12 

reasonably be expected, he so presented to his pupils 'the 
claims of vktue and religion, as fully to justify the remark 
made by one of them, — " It is impossible to go through 
Bowdoin College without receiving serious impressions." 

Such is a brief and cursory view of the religious charac- 
ter and aims of the first two Presidents of the College during 
their time of service.* I have preferred to present it here, in 
order that the narrative of events within the institution may 
be uninterrupted. Let us now look again at the state of 
things there. 

As before intimated, at the time of the inauguration of 
President Appleton, there was, probably, one only of the 
undergraduates whose character was decidedly religious. 
This student was fond of conversing with his friends upon 
serious themes, and is particularly remembered for the fre- 
quency and earnestness with which he spoke of conver- 
sion, — a strange word then to most of his associates. With 
his co-operation, INIr. Jonathan Cogswell, then Tutor in the 
College,! a man of excellent Christian spirit, formed an 
association which received the name of the Theological 
Society.^ It was understood by the students that its estab- 
lishment was in accordance with the views and wishes of the 
President, — who, indeed, occasionally attended its meetings. 
These were held on Sabbath evening. The exercises were, 
the discussion of some passage of Scripture, and disserta- 
tions upon theological and ethical questions. Personal piety 
was not made a qualification of membership, and the object 
of the society was not directly a practical one. Still its in- 
stitution marks the begmning of religious progress. It or- 
ganized the more sedate and thoughtful, and turned their at- 
tention to religious themes, and to the teachings of the Bible. 
Under date of July 17, 1808, President Appleton writes : — 
" I had hoped that my preaching might be the occasion of 

* See Appendix B. 

t Since, for several years, minister at Saco, and more recent!}' Professor in 
ihe Theological Seminary at East Windsor. 
J See Appendix C. 



13 

exciting some serious attention among the students. I have 
used some exertion with that design. Hitherto an infinitely 
wise and holy God has not seen fit to give any success. 
Every effort seems to have failed. But it is all right. O God, 
thou hast done well. Many whose shoes I am not worthy 
to unloose have met greater discouragements. I would not 
yet despond. I would yet hope in God. To human appre- 
hension, what amazing good would result from a revival of 
religion at this College ! It would be communicated to the 
people here, and, through the students, to places far distant. 
But surely God has a more comprehensive view of matters 
than I have, and my ignorance cannot direct his infinite wis- 
dom. Lord enable me to do my duty." At the time this 
entry was made, the Theological Society numbered seven- 
teen members, most, if not all of whom met, each Sabbath, 
for biblical and theological study. It is a striking comment 
upon the promises of God to those who study and to those 
who preach his word, that, of these seventeen young men, — 
but one of whom, it is supposed, then possessed a religious 
hope, — nine^ at least, in subsequent life became professed 
Christians. 

During the remainder, however, of the year referred to, 
and during the eight following years, the renewing and con- 
verting influences of the Holy Spirit were not manifested. 
The earnest labors of the President seemed still to fail of 
success. Indeed the difficulties in the way of the result de- 
sired, for a time increased.. During the first term of the 
academic year 1811 to 1812, — the whole number of students 
being upwards of thirty, — there was not one among them 
who had made a profession of religion. The interest in the 
Theological Society became nearly extinct, and few, if any, 
came forward to take the places of those of its members who 
had graduated. It was regarded by most with feelings of 
bitter opposition. The greater part of the students appear 
to have been thoughtless. Not a few were reckless and 
openly immoral, some of whom formed habits of intemper- 
ance which clung to them in later life and brought them to 
a dishonored grave. 



14 

Notwithstanding these discouragements, the President 
abated not in heart or hope or zeal. He enforced the requi- 
site discipline with prudence and paternal kindness, but with 
uniform and unshrinking firmness ; and in a way which deep- 
ly impressed upon the students the conviction of the necessi- 
ty of law and the guilt of its violation. He sought constant- 
ly to bring the truths and sanctions of religion to bear upon 
the conscience. When the moral stupor which prevailed 
seemed most profound, it is related that he once requested 
the students to remain after evening prayers, and then read 
to them, with all the impressiveness of manner he could 
command, the narrative of the death of the backslider and 
free-thinker, Sir Francis Newport. The effect produced at 
the time by its reading was very marked. The friend who 
gave me the incident said, that the next morning he obtain- 
ed, without difficulty, twelve or fourteen members for the 
Theological Society, not one of whom before had been will- 
ing to join it. The revival of this society was an important 
measure ; uniting and organizing, as it did, all who were 
willing to be ranked on the side of good morals. Of still 
more consequence was the fact, that about this time a new 
element began to appear in College life ; — that of humble, 
earnest, devoted, and aggressive piety. In September, 1812, 
returned, as Tutor, a graduate of the class of 1810, Frederic 
Southgate ; now a renewed man, and full of faith and Chris- 
tian excellence. A few months earfier, entered, as Sopho- 
more, James Cargill, whose brief career was a track of light. 
In 1813, came three other pious men, Messrs. Dennis, Cheev- 
er, and Pratt, who had the ministry in view, and who came 
here not only to receive good but to do good in Christ's 
name. They stand at the head of a long and bright succes- 
sion. In their day were originated the religious meetings in 
the College which have been blessed in its history as estab- 
lished means of grace. Since the year in which James Car- 
gill entered, no class has passed through College without 
having, in its membership, some one who has pleaded with 
God in prayer for his classmates, and labored, with more or 



15 

less earnestness for their conversion. And, since the year 
in which Mr. Southgate came as Tutor, no class has entered 
without finding established a Saturday evening meeting for 
Christian instruction and for prayer. 

These two men, in particular, were remarkably fitted by 
the gifts of God's grace to initiate in the College a religious 
movement ; to be leaders in the noble and blessed work of 
sustaining and advancing among their fellow students the 
cause of the Redeemer; and to be models for all who, in after 
years, should follow. Since they have both gone to their re- 
ward, it is proper that we should render, — what indeed in 
itself is but an act of justice,— a tribute to their Christian 
worth. 

Frederic Southgate gi'aduated Avith high distinction as a 
scholar, and with troops of friends won by the amiableness 
of his character, and " the vivacity and courtliness " of his 
manners. Few have entered upon life more keenly alive to 
its pleasures and honors, or possessed of qualities better fitted 
to ensure success in their pursuit. Upon leaving College he 
began the study of law, and continued it for nearly two 
years. " During this time," remarks President Appleton, who 
gained the information from Mr. Southgate's own lips, " he 
found himself inclined to contemplate religion with a degree 
of interest previously unknown. The impression made on 
his mind was not peculiarly strong, nor was it such as to ex- 
cite any high degree of terror. But it was such as to pro- 
duce an obvious change of character and pm'suit. Those 
scenes and that society which are highly interesting to most 
persons of his age and prospects were, from that time, divest- 
ed of 'their charms. He had before, to use his own expres- 
sion, been living without God in the world, — more anxious 
for the esteem of men, than for that honor which cometh 
fror :i God only. Henceforward he pursued a different object 
and enjoyed different pleasures. He became in a very high 
degree crucified to the world, and the world to him by the 

cross of Christ Humility was prominent in his religion. 

And if charity consists in warm desires for the best interests 



16 

of men and active beneficence for the promotion of this 'ob- 
ject, he was clothed with it as with a garment. The duties 
of an instructor in literature and science, he executed with 
ease to himself, with fidelity and good success. But while 
he was attentive to the more obvious duties of his employ- 
ment, he was much more concerned for the moral improve- 
ment of those who were under his care. He watched, with 
unceasing solicitude, any appearance of religious sensibility. 
" Few persons have ever held time in higher estimation. 
Had he known himself to be as near to eternity as the event 
has proved that he was,* I know not that he could have lived 
differently or used his time with more rigid economy. His 
residence in this place evinced the possibility of preserving a 
habit of exalted piety in the midst of an employment highly 
responsible and requiring unwearied attention ; for it is not 
easy to conceive that any person could, with more propriety 
than he, have adopted the language of the apostle when he 
said in the name of Christians, We have our conversation in 
heaven. He thought, and spake, and acted, as seeing Him 
who is invisible, 

" His deportment in sickness, both before and after his re- 
moval from this place, well corresponded with his previous 
character. His approaching end was contemplated with 
solemn interest, but with deep submission. As death ad- 
vanced, his mind settled into a state of increasing calmness 
and joy. He said little ; but never did I witness such 
serenity and pleasure beaming from mortal countenance. 
Nor was I ever so impressed with the words of the sacred 
writer in relation to Stephen, Thei/ beheld his face, as it had 
been the face of an angel. There was a kind of celestial 
radiance, indicating that peace of God which passeth all un- 
derstanding; a joy unspeakable and full of glory. He died 
in the enjoyment of a hope full of immortality."! 

His return to College, changed in heart and spirit, and 
now resolved to count all things but loss for the excellency 

* He died during the second term of his Tutorship. 

t President Appleton's Discourse on the death of Frederic Southgate; 1S13. 



17 

of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and his triumphant death, 
in themselves exerted a powerful and most salutary though 
silent influence. They evinced the reality of religion ; illus- 
trated its worth and power; showed it to be the work of God 
in the heart, and the living source of all spiritual and moral 
excellence. During the few months, moreover, of his resi- 
dence here as an instructor, Mr. Southgate was unwearied 
in his endeavors, both public and private, to promote the re- 
ligious welfare of his pupils. " He made great exertions,'' 
A\Tites the President in his private journal, " for the salvation 
of the students. From these exertions I had much to hope." 
He instituted the religious service on Saturday evening which 
has ever since been observed, and sustained it with such in- 
terest as to draw in many of the impenitent. Often, also, at 
the close of his daily recitation, he would shut up his Horace, 
and most affectionately and seriously urge those present to 
acquaint themselves with. God and be at peace ^vith him. I 
love to think of that man^ was the exclamation to me of one 
of his pupils who never forgot, though he long neglected, his 
teacher's pious counsels and solicitations. We cannot meas- 
ure the quickening power of an earnest Christian life, how- 
ever brief. IVIr. Southgate did not live in vain. Seeds which 
his hand scattered are doubtless now bearing fruit unto ever- 
lasting life. 

The other person to whom I referred, James Cargill, 
entered the Sophomore Class, in the spring of 1812, from 
Middlebury College. He was a native of New Castle in this 
State, — where, as one of the first students of its academy, he 
fitted for College. While pursuing his preparatory studies 
he was deeply and solemnly convinced of sin. " He saw," 
writes his pastor. Rev. Kiah Bailey, " that he was perfectly 
in the hand of a sovereign God, and felt that he would be 
just if he made him forever a monument of his holy displeas- 
ure. At length his will was bowed, light broke in upon his 
mind, and he found peace and joy in believing. And he in- 
dulged the pleasing hope that Christ was formed in him, — that 
he had passed from death to life, — as he experienced an entire 



18 

revolution in the temper of his own hearty and could say- 
that Christ was indeed precious to him." Mr. South gate 
found in him a zealous and most judicious coadjutor. And 
when the former was removed by death Cargill was well worthy 
to take up and wear his fallen mantle. With the approbation 
of the President he continued the religious meeting begun 
by Mr. Southgate. This he sustained with so much wisdom 
and efficiency that it was always well attended, although 
none of his fellow students professed any experimental ac- 
quaintance with religion. Thus to maintain an exercise of 
this sort, without any aid from his associates, and in the face 
of much thoughtlessness and immorality, evinces great ma- 
turity of Christian character and practical judgment. Such 
a meeting, conducted with faith, with humility, with earnest- 
ness and propriety, is one of the most powerful instrumen- 
talities which can be used, in a college community, in behalf 
of religion. The solemn and affectionate intercessions of a 
pious student for his friends and classmates, the reading of 
the word, the kind counsel and exhortation,- — "^Come with 
ns and we will do you good," — how many, by these simple 
means, have been saved for time and for eternity. None who 
attended CargilFs meeting, as it was called, could ever wholly 
forget the earnestness of his prayers, or the solemn and affec- 
tionate manner in which he invited them to Jesus. Some, it 
is believed, were at the time radically benefitted, although 
such resu^lts were not then apparent. 

In personal appearance Cargill was not prepossessing, ex- 
cept as his face was transfigured by the power of holy emo- 
tion. The color of his hair inclined to red, — his eye was 
light, — his face bloodless, — his form awkward and bent, — 
bis chest hollow, and his whole appearance that of one mark- 
ed by consumption. The continuity of his college life was 
frequently interrupted by sickness. During most of the 
Senior year he was obliged entirely to suspend his studies. 
When he graduated, he was so wasted by disease that he 
had, literally, to crawl up the steps of the stage ; and he de- 
scended alm.ost from that platform to the grave,- — dying at 



19 

his mother's house in New Castle on the Saturday of tbe 
week following that of his graduation. 

His natural powers, — though above mediocrity, and some- 
what marked in the more solid branches of study, — were 
not, as a whole, distinguished. He had not Mr. Southgate's 
natural depth and seriousness of mind ; nor his liveliness and 
luxuriance of fancy ; nor his easy address and cultivated 
manners. " He was a rough jewel," — writes Dr, Yaughan 
of Philadelphia, his fellow student, — " but a man of devotee! 
piety. He stood alone ; but he was respected, and his in- 
fluence felt." Others assure me that his influence wqs great- 
er even than that of Mr. Southgate ; — that it pervaded the 
College, affecting every diversity of character. Though al- 
ways firm in the maintenance of his own principles of piety, 
and faithful in rebuke, he was universally esteemed and be- 
loved. As one evidence of this I may mention, that his as- 
sociates, knowing his struggle with poverty, voluntarily con- 
tributed to his support. Once he found fourteen dollars in 
a wrapper on his table. At other times, also, he was aided ; 
— sometimes secretly, and sometimes openly. 

It is worth while to inquire the secret of his influence 
and usefulness. As already intimated, it was not in any ex- 
traordinary natural gifts. I have been told that his temper 
naturally was not amiable. Yet none knew him here but to 
respect and love him. One characteristic which distinguish- 
ed him was, the thoroughness of his conversion, and the 
deep experimental character of his piety. He was taught of 
God, and received thus that spiritual mind which is light and 
wisdom. The holiness of the divine law, — the extent and 
guilt of his sinful opposition to its requirements, — his need 
of an almighty and atoning Saviour, — the glory of God's 
immutable purposes and universal government, — of these 
sacred truths he was experimentally and fully convinced. 
They were not only apprehended but loved ; and he longed 
to have others rejoice in them as he did. 

Another feature was his conscientiousness. He was 
thoroughly honest. " Often," says his pastor, " he would 



20 

express his fears that he had no religion, and was at times 
almost ready to give up his hope ; but he had seasons of 
comfort, and was usually calm and composed." He con- 
stantly strove to maintain a conscience void of offence. And 
he took as his standard of Christian excellence the highest. 
All could see that religion in him was loaded with the fruits 
of righteousness. 

Another trait in his Christian character was its benevo- 
lence. This was universal. He lived to do good rather than 
to receive. There was a genial, cordial, joyous fellowship 
in him which had its secret spring in his love to Christ ; and 
which flowed out, as from an unsealed and exhaustless foun- 
tain, wherever any channel opened to receive its sweet and 
beneficent streams. Southgate's career seemed to the 
students like a voice from the grave. It bade them prepare 
for eternity. Cargill taught them how to live, — that the 
ways of religion are pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 
When near his end, he expressed his joy that he could go so 
soon to be with Tutor Southgate. In spirit here they were 
one. In death they were scarcely divided. Together, we 
may believe, their emancipated spirits rejoice over all, who, 
in the College they loved and toiled for, so enter into their 
labors that at the last they shall share in their rest and re- 
ward. 

The year following the graduation and death of Cargill, 
1814-1815, exhibited an improved state of morals over many 
that had preceded. There was, at the beginning, some ac- 
cession favorable to religion. The Saturday evening meet- 
ing was sustained, — conducted chiefly by one of the Tutors, 
Rev. Enos Merrill. There is reason to believe that the first 
distinct religious impressions and decisions of several, who 
have since been active Christians, are to be referred to this 
period. For those who were professedly pious it was a time 
of trial and growth.* 

During the first half of the next year, 1815-1816, there 
was a deterioration in the moral condition of the College. 

* See Appendix D. 



21 

" As a general thing," writes one who was then a member 
of the Sophomore Class, "the College students were thought- 
less, wayward, and irreligious. There was much noise, fre- 
quent convivial meetings at which many students drank to 
excess." — " There was some profanity, and a general light- 
ness and frivolity of conversation, among the students, not- 
withstanding we were most faithfully and kindly conversed 
with and prayed with by our eminent President Appleton." 
At the opening of the year the whole number of students 
was nearly fifty. Of these, six were professors of religion ; 
and in February a seventh was added to their number. The 
piety of this little band appears to have been decided. The 
lives of its members were consistent with their profession, 
and they were consequently much respected. At the time 
when the prospect of any general thoughtfulness upon reli- 
gious themes seemed darkest, they adopted the resolution, 
each to converse every week with two of his fellow students, 
until the attention of all should in this way be drawn to 
their religious obligations. 

Toward the close of the spring, there began to be in the 
town signs of increased religious interest. The Congrega- 
tionalist Society then was without a pastor. The church 
embraced only seventeen members ; and few of these exhibi- 
ted any signs of spiritual life. There was much, both in the 
church and society, of what is now termed liberal Chris- 
tianity. The special attention spoken of appears first to 
have sprung up under the faithful preaching of the pastor of 
the Baptist church. Rev. Mr. Titcomb. It continued to in- 
crease during the summer. Meetings were held at private 
houses'; and soon, near the appointed hour of their com- 
mencement, companies of men and women were to be seen 
in the streets, carrying their seats in their hands, and throng- 
ing toward the place of worship. The interest spread into 
the first parish. Seeing the need of some one who could 
devote himself to the work in this society which was wait- 
ing to be done, President Appleton urged upon Rev. Jotham 
Sewall, who was then in the employ of the Maine Mission- 



ary Society, to come and put in his sickle into the standing 
harvest. Toward the close of the summer term he consent- 
ed. From the opening of this term there appears to have 
been in the College, especially in the Sophomore Class, a 
gradually deepening thoughtfulness and solemnity. Not 
having had a college education, Father Sewall seems to have 
felt a great deal of unnecessary diffidence in coming to a 
place which he looked up to as a seat of learning. His first 
appearance here, however, was one which won the kind at- 
tention of the students. He came on Thursday from Gardi- 
ner. Almost his first inquiry was, if there were any meet- 
ings in progress. There happened to be one, conducted by 
Rev. Mr. Titcomb, in the house opposite that occupied by 
Professor Cleaveland. He directed his steps thither at once, 
and found the rooms packed and overflowing with people. 
Elbowing himself through the crowd, Father Sewall made 
his way to the preacher, and introduced himself. After the 
sermon he was requested to lead in prayer. Do you pray 
for the College ? he inquired. Unfortunately at that time 
there was, on the part of many who were chiefly interested 
in the services then in progress, an inconsiderate jealousy of 
Colleges and an educated ministry. The reply was, that they 
had not been in the habit of remembering the students in 
their supplications. Ought to^ Ought to, was the quick, 
nervous, emphatic response ; and immediately, in his own 
deeply spiritual, touching, overpowering way, this man of 
God lifted his voice in prayer, not only for those present, but 
for the institution of learning. He preached in the evening 
to a thronged house. About thirty of the students, several 
of whom before had been serious and thoughtful, wrote 
him a note, — appending their names, and requesting him to 
preach to them on the next Saturday evening. He consent- 
ed, though such was his humility that it is related, in his 
memoir, that he spent a considerable portion of one night, in 
his bed and out of it, pouring out tears and supplications to 
God in behalf of his cause here ; and entreating to be made 
an instrument of good to souls in any way that God pleased, 



S3 

if it was only as Christ used the ass on which he rode into 
Jerusalem. 

The sermon was preached, if I am rightly informed, in 
the room of Samuel Johnson. Father Sewall's text was, 
Run.) speak to that young man* His sermon was strictly 
textual, somewhat in this style.* " My young friends, I do 
not know that I ever preached before to an assemblage all 
of whom are superior to me in point of education. Will you 
excuse me ? I have been educated but little ; I have had 
no college training; I may commit blunders: but, after all, 
I have cultivated my common sense ; I have looked around 
me, and have had some experience ; and God by his word 
and Spirit, as I believe, has taught me and has made me a 
preacher. Perhaps then I may yet say something useful to 
you, if you will patiently hear me. My text is, " Run, speak 
to that young man." J must run. I must make haste and 
speak while 1 may ; for time makes no stop, and not one of 
us is sheltered from the arrows of death ; and dying sudden- 
ly, if you die in your sins, you are lost, and lost forever I 
Speak to that young man. There is more hope of the young, 
than of the old offender, — his conscience not yet hardened, 
his heart susceptible. Speak to that young man. Yes, I 
will waruj and counsel, and entreat, for you walk amidst 
danger ; perhaps you will listen to my homely but honest 
voice of truth ; perhaps it will — O may it be so — not be in 
vain that I entreat you to be reconciled unto God, for now 
is the accepted time and now is the day of salvation." 

After the lecture a few tarried for conversation ; and, in 
his journal, Father Sewall alludes to two of them as being 
deeply anxious. The following week the annual Commence- 
ment occurred, and the students dispersed for the vacation. 
Many fears were felt by the President and Mr. Sewall, lest 
the serious impressions made should be lost in this season of 
relaxation. Fervent and frequent prayers from them, and 
from many others in this vicinity, ascended that this might 
not be the result. These prayers were answered. " The 

* For this sketch of Mr. Sewall's sermon 1 am indebted to Rev. Dr. Allen. 



24 

College," states one of its students, who was then deeply af- 
fected by religious ti*uth, "re-assembled in deeper solemnity 
than when it separated. I well remember my first interview 
with" Father Sewall, " after my return. We met in one of 
the favorite walks in the pine grove, and his first question 
showed that the drift of his solicitude was for the safety of 
the soul." 

" At the beginning of the autumn term," writes another, 
" there was evidently a deep solemnity among the students. 
The Bible was read, its solemn truths were considered. 
Students began to meet in each other's rooms for conversa- 
tion and prayer. The venerable Jotham Sewall preached in 
the college rooms with great fervor. He visited every room, 
talked freely, affectionately, and faithfully to us all concern- 
ing our duties to God and our eternal interests. And he 
earnestly besought us to be reconciled to God through Christ 
without delay. Especially was he devout and fervent in his 
prayers that God would give us his Spirit, and, the greatest 
of all mercies, new and contrite hearts. 

" Soon it was apparent that those prayers were answered, 
that the Holy Spirit was with us of a truth. The Bible, re- 
ligion, personal salvation, were the absorbing topics within 
the walls of Bowdoin. Those were days ever to be remem- 
bered by me. If ever I was converted, it was in October, 
1816. More than forty years have since elapsed, but those 
days, those gracious scenes, are fresh and vivid in my recol- 
lection. Then first the Saviour Jesus became inexpressibly 
dear to me and other college students. 

" During this revival our beloved President Appleton was 
indefatigable in his endeavors to promote the cause of sound 
religion. He exhorted, he talked, he prayed, for and with 
all of us. Several of the students who were pious before, 
were exceedingly useful at that time, — kindly entreating us 
to embrace Christ, and aiding inquirers in every way they 
could." 

This revival seems to have been chiefly confined, in its 
immediate results, to the Junior Class, — six of whose mem- 
bers, it was hoped, were converted. 



25 

In the next year the College was again visited. At the 
Saturday evening conference, Nov. 15, three or four were 
deeply impressed with a sense of their need of forgiveness 
and redemption ; two at least of whom expressed, during 
the following week, a hope of having been renovated by 
God's Spirit. Two others also, before the close of the term, 
professed conversion. 

How important and joyful these events appeared to the 
President, and to those interested with him in the religious 
prosperity of the College, is evinced in the following ex- 
tracts from his private journal. November 28, 1816, he 
writes : " God has been pleased, as I trust, to visit several 
of the students with his saving health. We do hope that 
at least six of the number have been transformed by the re- 
newing of the mind. A few others are serious, but we fear 
concerning them. The seriousness has been attended with 
silent but deep anxiety, which has gradually given way to 
hope, a hope feeble and intermitting, but slowly acquiring 
strength. This is a great thing — a very great thing. It is 
what we have been long praying and longing for. * * * A 
third of the students, or very nearly that proportion, it is 
now hoped, are pious. It is but a little while since we had 
none of this description." 

Again, December 4, 1817, he remarks : " As to the Col- 
lege, God has shown us new favors. Not only have a con- 
siderable number of serious students entered, but there have 
recently been, as we hope, three or four individuals con- 
verted to the Lord. This is a great thing, an unexpected 
mercy that God should have returned to us so soon. Those 
students 'who were thought to have experienced religion last 
year, have, by divine grace, done well. They appear to be 
good, sound, judicious, and zealous Christians. This is a 
glorioits thing. Religion seems to have obtained strong 
footing in Bowdoin College. Christ seems to have owned 
us very distinctly and gi'aciously. Oh that he might pay us 
frequent visits ! Oh that his work of grace may be further 
carried on to his own praise ! Oh that the College may 
4 



26 

always exhibit a sweet and graceful union of literature and 
piety. May God preserve those who have lately begun to 
hope in his mercy. May there always be a goodly seed. 
Towards us, already, the mercy of the Lord has been un- 
utterable. Praise, everlasting praise, be rendered to his name." 

During CargilPs Senior year there were only two or 
three pious students in the College. At the close of the 
first revivaly there were about sixteen ; and a year later, at 
the end of the second, about twenty, — between one third 
and one half of the whole number of students. 

This increase of the religious element produced a great 
change in the public sentiment and general character of the 
College. It was found, as it always must be, that the culti- 
vation of piety is not adverse to scholarship ; that an at- 
mosphere filled with religious influences is the one most 
congenial to mental growth and fruitful culture ; and that 
all the ends for which a literary institution exists, are best 
secured in proportion as the Spirit of God dwells in the 
hearts of its members, and prepares them for His service. 
The first revival, in particular, exerted a salutary influence 
which was felt through the institution- Referring to this 
work of God's grace. Rev. Dr. Anderson makes the following 
interesting statements :■ — 

" The great fact in the religious history of the College, 
in my time, and indeed in its history in any point of view, 
was the remarkable moral and social change, — almost a revo- 
lution, — occasioned by this gracious visitation. The class 
which graduated in 1818, was the largest there had ever 
been, and embodied a good deal of talent and character ; 
and the special interest and the largest number of converts 
were in that class, which had then entered its Junior year ; 
and as there was a good proportion of pious influence 
among the Seniors, the tone of college life was wonderfully 
and most happily changed. I have never witnessed any 
thing equal to it. There was a public sentiment on the side 
of good morals and piety, which was felt through College as 
a controlling, influence. 



S7 

" These were the impressions I had wlien in College^ and 
have ever retained. Perhaps the religious history of the in- 
stitution should date with that outpouring of the Holy 
Spirit." 

The proximate causes of the wonderful religious pro- 
gress, and, as it were, revolution, whose history we have 
been considering, may easily be gathered from the facts 
which have been stated. The more hidden and real causes 
lie concealed in the secret intercessions and personal exer- 
tions of the holy and consecrated men whose names have 
been prominent in our story, and in the sacred counsels of 
the God of Providence and Redemption. I would note, for 
our encouragement, this simple fact. The revival did not 
come without labor. It was for years longed for and prayed 
for and toiled for. Then a revival of religion was thought 
" a very great thing," — worth years of patient, earnest ef- 
fort, of importunate waiting at the throne of grace, of hum- 
ble watching at the door of Divine Providence. The scep- 
tre, we have seen, at length bent — the door opened. There 
are hearts in every quarter of the globe that to-night have 
reason to rejoice, because of the talents the descending Spir- 
it then sealed for Christ and his Church. Let none be dis- 
couraged who now desire that these scenes may live again. 
They will come. I know not now but that God is about 
to work. 

Let me add, in conclusion, one or two incidents of these 
times of refreshing which could not so well be alluded to 
elsewhere. 

Some of the changes of character which took place were 
remarkable from their suddenness. In illustration of this a 
graduate of the class of 1820 relates, " that he remembers 
hearing one of the converts, — a marked case, — half utter an 
oath, on the day after he was said to have entertained hope. 
He had been a wild and profane young man, and the ex- 
pression was uttering itself, as it were, from habit ; but the 
suddenness with which he checked himself and his confused 
looks showed that a gi-eat change had taken place within. 



28 

It brought * the old man' and ' the new man' into clbser 
juxtaposition than I had ever seen before, or than I have ever 
seen since." 

There were also many cases of deep and prolonged men- 
tal distress — prolonged simply because of the heart's un- 
willingness to yield to the truth and the strivings of the Spir- 
it. In most of these there was final submission, and conse- 
quent peace and even unspeakable joy. One instance, how- 
ever, is reported which had a melancholy and fearful issue. 
It was the case of one described by a classmate and inti- 
mate friend, himself one of the converts of these times, as " a 
beautiful young man, the most gifted of any one in the class." 
" I will not mention his name," he further writes, "for he has 
long ago passed to his account at the bar of a merciful as well 
as just God. And I cannot think of him, even at this remote 
period, without tears. He was so agitated for days that he 
trembled like an aspen leaf in our recitations ; and, as his chum 
informed me, would walk the room, and stamp the floor, in 
agony, because he could not banish from his mind the bur- 
den which weighed so heavily upon it. At last he de- 
liberately resorted, in defiance of the prayers and tears of 
his pious friends, to the brandy bottle, and quenched, in its 
fiery potations, that Spirit who was graciously striving to 
save him from ruin. Soon after leaving College he died, as 
might naturally be supposed, a miserable drunkard." 

One other instance, also, of resisting convictions of duty 
and refusing to practice them, is on record ; — though it may 
have occurred earlier in the course of President Appleton's 
term of office. A young man, after hearing an impressive 
religious lecture by the President, " remarked to a fellow stu- 
dent, with apparent solemnity, that he considered himself 
one step nearer perdition than when he entered the chapel ; 
for he believed what they had just heard was true, and yet 
he was not benefitted by it." 

How often^ exclaimed the compassionate Saviour, con- 
cerning the city he before had wept over, How often ivould I 
have gathered thy children together^ even as a hen gathereth 
her chickens under her icings, and ye ivould not 



29 

And ye would not ! How these words, in the judg- 
ment and in eternity, will rend with remorse . the spirits of 
the lost. Now, if thou wilt, thou mayest come, O sinner, 
and be saved ; but then — in thine own future — in the great 
and fearful day — if thou canst only say, I would not come ! — 
Let me entreat you, especially, my friends from the College, 
now, if never before, seriously to consider the value of your 
own souls, and the claims of a divine and atoning Saviour. 
Delay not. You can gain nothing by waiting. Life's best 
gifts will be wasted by delay. It is hard to kick against the 
pricks. Better, far better, for time and for eternity, will it 
be for you at once to yield your hearts to God. 



SECOND DISCOURSE. 



DELIVERED SABBaTH EVENING, MARCH 28, 185S. 



In the records of the Praying Circle, under the date of 
August 3d, 1818, I find this entry. "With grief we are com- 
pelled to say that the College is in a very stupid state. 
Secret dissipation, of the most alarming nature, prevails to 
such an extent as should rouse the slumbering followers of 
Him who never slumbers nor sleeps."* 

This development of wickedness, so soon after the gra- 
cious seasons which have been spoken of, need not surprise 
us. These operations of Divine Grace wrought a great so- 
cial and moral change which was felt throughout the institu- 
tion. They brought religion into the ascendancy. But 
they did not give it universal reign. More than half of the 
students did not share in them. There were some, in each 
of the classes, who remained hardened, dissipated and cor- 
rupt. At the time referred to in the extract which has been 
read, these persons seem to have become unusually aban- 
doned to evil, and it was feared that many would be con- 
taminated by them. Through the vigilance and decision of 
those connected with the College who were the friends of 
moral purity, this danger, at one time imminent, was averted. 

* In the Memoir of President Applelon also, allusion is made to this incur- 
sion of vice in connection with a striking illustration of his efficiency in govern- 
ment, and his power of rebuke. See Appleton's Works, vol. I, p. 32. 



31 

Order and temperance and purity prevailed. This favorsl- 
ble result was due, in a great degree, to the exertions of Mr. 
Samuel Green, then a Tutor in the College.* The personal 
religious influence of Mr. Green while here was such that 
it deserves to be had in remembrance. 

He was a graduate of Harvard University, where he 
ranked among the first in his class, excelling particularly in 
mathematical and metaphysical studies. In 1817, one year 
after the graduation of his college class, he came here from 
the Theological Seminary at Andover. Already, those su- 
perior intellectual powers and spiritual graces which have 
won for his name a high place among " the holy and useful 
of all generations," were largely developed in him. His 
countenance was a mirror of his mind, — open, yet studious 
and thoughtful, benignant and noble. He had in him the 
soul of politeness, and his manners revealed the benevolence 
of his heart. In amiableness of disposition, in a controlling 
love of truth, in moral earnestness, in capacity and efficiency 
as an instructor, in warmth of devotion to the interests of 
learning and religion, and in elevation and richness of devo- 
tional power, he is said to have borne a close resemblance 
to President Appleton, with whom his theological studies 
while here were continued, and whose memory, as a theolo- 
gian and christian, he afterwards cherished with deep venera- 
tion and love.f At the time when his religious character 
became decided, he adopted the resolution, " to do what he 
could to make his influence felt over a dying world." This 
was the great purpose of his life to which he was eminently 
consecrated. As a College officer he was abundant in la- 
bors. Few teachers, if any, have more deeply felt than he 
their responsibility for the intellectual and moral improve- 
ment of their pupils, or have labored for this end with more 
assiduity. At the time already referred to, when immorality 
appeared to be alarmingly on the increase in the College, 

* Subsequently the able and devoted pastor, successively, of the Congrega- 
tional Church in Reading, Mass., and of the Union, now Essex St., Church in 
Boston. t See Memoir by Rev. Dr. Storrs, p. 51. 



82 

his activity in resisting and suppressing the evil was untir- 
ing, and most wisely directed. " He took firm ground," 
writes one of his pupils, " and resolved that the College 
should be purified, though the combination among the stu- 
dents was found to be strong, daring, vigilant, and extensive. 
* * * Never did a man, perhaps, wrestle more fervently in 
prayer for the salvation of the College, and especially of the 
dissipated and guilty. * * * One whole college generation felt 
the happy effects of this firm stand." 

One incident is on record from the same pen, — that of a 
graduate of the class of 1821, — which illustrates his fidelity 
to the higher interests of those under his charge. " On my 
return to Bowdoin College, at the close of my second win- 
ter vacation, I found, on taking the stage at Newburyport, 
that tutor Green, and two or three other gentlemen, stran- 
gers both to IVIr. Green and myself, were to be my fellow- 
passengers. Our ride, that day, was from Newburyport to 
Portland, about seventy-five miles. It was severely cold, 
and the roads were very bad. We did not reach Portland 
till past eleven at night. During this long day I observed 
that Mr. Green lost no opportunity of letting fall a word in 
honor of his Master. The other passengers were absorbed 
in commercial pursuits. On arriving at the hotel in Port- 
land, hungry and cold, we we were all glad to have a warm 
room and a warm supper. After supper Mr. Green and my- 
self were left alone. He remarked that he dared not retire 
immediately after eating. I saw that his object was two- 
fold. He had determined on bringing me into a close 
personal conversation on the subject of religion. I deter- 
mined to be ready for him. Furnished as I was by an un- 
sanctified but thorough religious education, I valued myself 
on my skill at parrying. My plan was to converse freely 
about religion, and yet keep Mr. Green so occupied in dis- 
posing of various questions, that he could find no time or 
opportunity for those dreaded personalities^ at which I knew 
he intended to arrive. For a time I succeeded. Once or 
twice the waiter came in, and asked us if we did not wish 



33 

to retire. Mr. Green would promptly reply, ' I am in no 
hurry.' Not so much, thought I, as I wish you were. Half 
an hour passed, in which I had the privilege of listening to 
some fine remarks on the millennium, and expositions of 
passages relating to it. It was midnight, and Mr. Green at 
last said to me, ' I wish that we might sleep together, if 
agreeable to you.' I could not decline, for I saw that there 
was no escape. We went to our chamber. We knelt, and he 
poured out a most importunate prayer. We lay upon our 
pillows, but not for sleep yet — not till he had stripped me of 
every excuse, and induced a sense of sin and guilt and 
shame, which seemed tolerable only in the prospect that it 
would be abated in the morning. So skilfully did he apply 
God's truth, and yet so benignantly, that I felt towards him 
only emotions of love and a sense of obligation." 

This result, — personal respect and often deep affection, — 
seems always to have attended Mr. Green's efforts. Such 
were his evident sincerity and kindness of heart that he 
could administer the most pointed and stinging reproof to 
the guilty without exciting complaint. He made universally 
the impression of a high minded and honorable man, ardent- 
ly desirous of promoting the welfare of all whom his in- 
fluence could reach. His own literary enthusiasm was so 
ardent that he inspired his classes with a love of study ; 
and yet it was evident that his engrossing desire was, that 
they should become purified from sin and renewed in the 
image of their Creator. 

At the beginning of the second year of his tutorship, 
Mr. Green was strengthened in his labors by the association 
with him in office of his class-mate and room-mate at Har- 
vard University, Tutor Newman, afterwards for nineteen 
years Professor in the College, during a part of which time 
he also officiated as President. Of his character and in- 
fluence I shall have occasion subsequently to speak more 
fully. 1 notice now the fact that he was placed here with 
Mr. Green, at this time, as a kind Providence to the College ; 
for through the self-denying exertions of these men, as well 
5 



34 

as those of Mr. Asa Cummings,* who took Mr. Green's 
place in the fall of 1819, — the religious interests of the Col- 
lege were faithfully cared for during the year in w^hich the 
sickness and death of the President deprived it of its re- 
ligious teacher and head. 

P'or upwards of six months previous to the evening on 
which he died, Nov. 12, 1819, President Appleton w^as unable 
to take any part in the instruction or government of the Col- 
lege. As toward the close of the summer term, and during 
the progress of the fall term, it became evident that he was 
soon to be removed from his earthly sphere of labor, a 
general solemnity settled upon the College. Frequent meet- 
ings were held for prayer that the stroke might be averted ; 
or, if this could not be, that it might fall in mercy to those 
whom it bereaved. The interest of the President in those 
entrusted to his care continued unabated by his sufferings 
and the feeble tenure of his life. He frequently looked 
from his chamber window at the College buildings, and one 
day, fixing his eye upon them, exclaimed, " Precious objects 
have ye been to me, but I resign them all for my God." 
At another time, when he was led to believe that his end 
was near, and when he gave what he supposed would be his 
dying counsel to his children, he said to an officer of the Col- 
lege by his bedside, " Pray for our students. Pray that God 
would revive his work among them. I think of them with 
much interest. Tell them I had intended to leave them my 
last advice, to be communicated after my decease ; but it is 
now too late. My enfeebled powers will not permit." 

No one of those thus remembered could doubt what was 
the burthen of the advice their revered and beloved teacher 
wished to communicate. The scenes daily witnessed in his 
chamber, were more eloquent than any words could be of 
the power of a Christian faith and the worth of the hope of 
the righteous. They were not scenes of triumph and ex- 
ultant joy, but even more impressive, — the calm serene set- 
ting of a full orbed sun. His character had been open as 
the day. No one ever reproached him wdth guile. No one 



35 

could suspect him of insincerity or credulity. His mind 
was eminently logical and comprehensive. What he said, 
he felt ; what he trusted in, he first examined. He had 
sought for truth with all his powers. For years religion, its 
doctrines and its precepts, had been the constant theme of 
his thought. Death approached him with slow and mea- 
sured step. In quiet hours he had ample opportunity to con- 
template, as in the light of eternity, the great objects of 
faith. His clear vision became yet clearer ; his hope ripened 
into assurance ; his faith was victory. At the close of the 
day which he had reason to expect would be his last, he 
said, after gazing a moment at the setting sun, " Before it 
dawns again I shall be in glory;" and then reclined his 
head upon the pillow to die, as peacefully as one would lie 
down to pleasant dreams. What gave this perfect peace? 
It was not ignorance of Him he was so soon to appear before. 
" The thought," he had said but a short time previous, " the 
thought that a moment may introduce me to the full glories 
of God, is enough to overwhelm me." It was not ignorance 
of himself. "I am indeed a poor sinner," was his language, 
" lying at the foot of sovereign mercy. Most emphatically, 
and from my soul, do I renounce all hope in anything done 
by myself, as a ground of justification." What was the 
foundation of his confidence, he as unequivocally affirmed. 
" Of this," he often said, " I am sure, that salvation is all 
of grace. I would make no mention of anything which I 
have ever thought or said or done ; but only of this, that 
God so loved the world as to give his only begotten Son, 
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have 
everlasting life. The atonement is the only ground of 
hope." " I fly, I fly, with my whole soul, to the blood of a 
crucified Saviour." " My heart is fixed, trusting in God ; 
Jesus, to thy dear faithful hand, 

My NAKED SOUL I tFUSt." 

This testimony to the distinctive doctrines of the Chris- 
tian religion, this exemplification of their sustaining power, 
was not given in vain to those who were members of the 



36 

College. The term was one of much thoughtfulness and 
sobriety. And there were some who henceforth sought to 
build their characters upon that foundation of Apostles and 
Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone, 
which had been proved before them to be so sure and stable. 

In the December following the decease of President Ap- 
pleton, at a special meeting of the Boards, Rev. William 
Allen was chosen, with great unanimity, as his successor. 

He was a gi-aduate of Harvard University. An election 
aermon, preached before the General Court of Massachu- 
setts, in May, 1813, while he was pastor of the Congrega- 
tional Church in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, made him widely 
known. Subsequently, he was placed at the head of the 
institution known by the name of Dartmouth University. 
He came here at an early period of life, was inaugurated 
in May, 1820, and continued in office nineteen years. His 
administration of the College was highly successful, if we 
may be allowed to judge from the number of students who 
were educated during that time, and the large portion of 
them who have risen to eminence in the various walks of 
political, literary, and professional life. 

Like his able and pious predecessors, he always had the 
religious interests of the College much at heart. The fact 
that he was cordially sustained by the subordinate officers, 
to the recollections of some of whom respecting him I am 
much indebted, does not detract from his great merit in this 
respect. During the whole period of his Presidency he con- 
ducted the morning and evening chapel service. For many 
years he continued the biblical recitation established by 
President M'Keen. It was held at evening prayers, in the 
chapel, on the Lord's day ; alternating with a lecture, in 
which he aimed always to speak upon some topic of special 
interest, while he kept ever in view the spiritual good of his 
hearers. During the ffi-st three years of his residence here, I 
find, from a memorandum which has been furnished me, 
that he preached one hundred and four written sermons in 
the village church where the College worshipped. In the 



37 

years 1823 and 1824, he delivered, in the chapel, a course of 
ten scientific lectures, written with much labor and care. 
The subjects w^ere, the Existence of God, as proved by the 
Mineral, Vegetable, and Animal worlds : the Necessity of 
Revelation : and the Proofs of Revelation, as derived from 
Miracles, Prophecies, and the Progress of Religion in the 
world. In 1830, he published a volume of Discourses, con- 
taining his Inaugural Address, a Dudleian lecture, and a de- 
cade of Baccalaureate addresses. A memorandum has been 
preserved of sixty discourses delivered by him in College, — 
from July 7, 1833, to August 23, 1835, — on subjects deemed 
the most important, interesting, and effective for the promo- 
tion of the spiritual and immortal welfare of the youth under 
his care. He also frequently, from time to time, attended 
conference meetings, held in student's rooms and elsewhere, 
and delivered addresses as the occasion demanded. I have 
a record of meetings, held at his own house in February, 
1828, at which he delivered discourses on prayer, humility, 
justification, and kindred topics. He also introduced into 
the chapel, at all times when convenient, preachers, the 
friends of the College, whom in turn he was ready to assist. 
He encouraged united and fervent prayer to Him who has 
commanded and who hears it. His judgment accorded 
with that of President Edwards in his recommendation of 
Union in extraordinary Prayer for the revival of religion. 
He approved, also, of occasional protracted meetings ; es- 
pecially as they brought to the aid of the College the 
most eminent and pious, the most eloquent, fervent, and 
successful ministers of the State. Conversions were multi- 
plied during his time, and revivals of religion were more 
frequent than before or since. He gave the early direction 
in their course to more than one hundred and thirty young 
men who have become ministers of the Gospel and mis- 
sionaries of the Cross. 

The time, perhaps, has not yet arrived for an entirely 
just appreciation of President Allen's character and adminis- 
tration. Some further review, however, of his labors, and 



38 



listinguishing traits of character, is due to his long con* 
nection with the College, his unbending faithfulness to its 
interests, and his great influence in forming the minds of 
many who are among the most honored sons of their Alma 
Mater. 

He was a man of extensive learning. Few literary or 
professional men traverse so wide a field of knowledge. In 
some of the abstract sciences he was a proficient, — par- 
ticularly in the Mathematics. In the science of Political 
Economy, also, he exhibited powers of a high order, and it 
has frequently been regretted by those acquainted with his 
resources that he did not devote himself more exclusively to 
its cultivation. His sermons and addresses, although not 
characterized by the close logic and the simplicity which 
strongly marked the addresses of President Appleton, were 
clear and vigorous in thought, always in good taste, and 
often richly illustrated by historical learning. Evincing 
constantly a most profound sense of the importance of Bible 
truths, and an earnest desire for the spiritual good of the 
students, he seldom delivered an address in the chapel which 
did not command marked attention. His published Bacca- 
laurate discourses exhibit proofs of superior powers of argu- 
ment and appeal. Their style may be described as ornate 
and highly finished, and they contain many passages of 
great beauty and touching eloquence. The Dudleian Lec- 
ture, delivered at Cambridge, has been widely and deservedly 
praised for its able and learned defense of the validity of 
Congregational ordination, and its masterly vindication of 
the revivals of religion which have borne witness to the 
Divine approbation, as an ordinance of God, of the ministry 
thus established. 

In the devotional exercises of the chapel, which exert a 
constant and usually powerful influence over the minds of 
the students, although it may be but little noticed at the 
time, President Allen was exceedingly appropriate and 
happy. His prayers, carefully expressed, and enunciated 
with distinctness and propriety, fell, it has been said, like 



39 

music upon the ear ; and, in their beauty and evident sin- 
cerity, could hardly fail to leave a favorable and devout 
impression. 

In the government of the College, he was, perhaps, not 
always wise ; yet he possessed many qualities which are 
always admirable in this sphere. His mind was deeply 
imbued with a sense of the worth and majesty of law. 
Any process of education, or method of administering 
government, which tended to weaken respect for law, he 
deplored as essentially wrong and injurious. His convic- 
tion was, that a lax or partial or vacillating administration 
of the College code was not only inexpedient and harmful 
in its relation to the peace and order and welfare of the 
community over which he presided, but that it tended to 
destroy, in the minds of his pupils, that respect for law and 
deference to its authority, which lie at the basis of public 
morality, of a manly character, and of all true religion. He 
was, therefore, upon principle, a rigid disciplinarian. He was 
also impartial and unselfish. The odium almost necessarily 
attaching to a faithful execution of measures of discipline, 
he met with meekness, but with unflinching firmness, — in no 
instance caring to avert from himself the full responsibility 
of acts of discipline of which he was officially the executive, 
even in cases where his own judgment, inclining to leniency, 
had been overruled by the decision of his associates in office. 

Regardless of popular applause, especially when it is the 
product of a corrupt public sentiment, or the noisy approba- 
tion of the vicious and the depraved, he was, however, de- 
ficient in securing to himself that degree of personal popu- 
larity which, rightly secured, is in itself an important means 
of a more extended influence. The sternness of his admin- 
istration of law was not always tempered, as it might have 
been with advantage, by kindness of manner, and the expres- 
sion of grief for the errors of those he was called upon to 
punish. Many alleged that he was formal, cold, and distant. 
Much injustice, however, was done to him in this respect. 
He had a singular power of repressing the ordinary signs of 



40 

emotion; and often his countenance and voice would gh 
no indication of sensibility when his heart was most deeply 
moved. To one instance in illustration of this, it will not 
be deemed, I trust, improper to allude. When the compan- 
ion of his life — in his own words, " the angel of his path" — 
w^as, in the night, cut down at his side by a stroke, he quietly 
assembled the members of his bereaved household in the 
chamber of death, and, surrounded by his heart-stricken 
children and weeping friends, lifted up his heart in prayer 
to God in their behalf in words of indescribable pathos and 
subduing power, yet in tones perfectly calm and composed, 
until the powers of nature failed under the intense agony 
within, and he fell on the floor, apparently as lifeless as the 
breathless form from which the spirit had just taken its flight. 
From the memories of many who now hear me that sublime 
scene can never be effaced, when, standing at the head of 
the grave which was soon to conceal from human view the 
form of one so ardently and so justly loved, with a counte- 
nance radiant with faith and hope, and in tones mellowed 
indeed by grief, and thrilling, yet firm and full, he said to 
the multitude, awe-stricken and hushed, though in tears, 
around him : " My friends ! may we never enter this grave- 
yard, to deposit the remains of a fellow creature, without re- 
membering that the day is coming, when all that are in their 
graves shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and Come 
FORTH ! they that have done good, unto the resurrection of 
life ; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of 
condemyiation.^^ 

This power of appearing perfectly calm and impassion- 
less even when most deeply moved, and a somewhat formal 
though dignified address, together with his resolute discharge 
of duty and enforcement of discipline, induced coldness to- 
ward him, and, in some instances, bitter hostility. He fell 
also, in some respects, on evil times. The denominational 
position of the College was then unsettled ; and the great 
evils which repeated experience shows will ever result from 
such a state of things, began, in his day, to be heavily eX' 



41 

perienced. His bold enunciation, moreover, of what he 
deemed the fundamental truths of the Gospel,, wanting at 
times, it was said by some, in a suitable spirit of concilia- 
tion, excited unhappy and unseemly jealousies, and gave 
rise to many complaints. To these causes must principally 
be attributed the measures taken to secure his removal. 
His opponents, however, did not meet him face to face. 
By a course of proceeding which cannot be characterized as 
either just or honorable, they induced the Legislature of 
the State to stoop from the true height of its position, and 
pass a law which had the effect to cut him oft' from his 
office of President of the College. He received this heavy, 
sudden, and dishonorable blow in the true Puritan and 
Christian spirit, without a mm-mur and without a fear. 
Believing that God overrules all things, and in the strong 
confidence of the rectitude of his cause, he promptly took 
measures to test the constitutionality of the Act of the 
Legislature which had summarily deprived him of his office. 
He instituted a suit in the United States Circuit Court, and 
employed Daniel Webster, and Professor Greenleaf of Cam- 
bridge, as his counsel. The case was argued with great 
ability by Professor Greenleaf. The decision of the Court 
was pronounced by Judge Story. It declared the Act un- 
constitutional, recognized Dr. Allen as still President, and 
separated the College from the State, affirming that the 
College is a private and not a public corporation and is not 
under the control of the Legislature of Maine. 

After nearly two years absence the President, in ac- 
cordance with this decision, returned to his oflSce, attended 
by the imited and enthusiastic good wishes of the friends 
of justice and religion both in and out of the College. 
Having thus vindicated himself and the cause for which he 
had suffered, in a few years he retired from office. The 
unabated regards of his warmly attached friends, of whom 
he had many even among those who could not always con- 
cur in the wisdom or expediency of the measures he deemed 
it proper to adopt, have followed him in his retirement ; 
6 



42 

while, in respect to his enemies, it may be said, that the 
softening influence of time, and the advantage of a higher 
and better point of vision, have led many of them to see 
and appreciate the excellences of his character, and to 
award to him the tribute due to his successful labors for 
the promotion of the intellectual and moral culture of his 
pupils and the prosperity of the College. 

In a letter recently received from him at his home in 
Northampton, Dr. Allen remarks : "An old man, who has 
entered upon the year that will end his third quarter century 
of years, if matters are right in his mind, will have a grow- 
ing strength of faith in the future, and will associate this 
faith with sweet, and joyful, and holy recollections of the 
past. For myself, I recollect scenes relating to Bowdoin 
College gladdening to my heart. I cannot describe them 
vividly as I could wish, in their interest and beauty. That 
such scenes may live again is my prayer ; and will it not be 
the prayer of all the Christian friends of the beloved 
Seminary ?" 

It is to such scenes I would now turn your attention. 
Soon after Dr. Allen's accession to office there was a great 
increase in the number of students. This was owing in 
part to the increased facilities afforded for instruction. 
Other causes also contributed to the same result, among 
which have been mentioned the general advance of educa- 
tion; the check given to mercantile enterprise, turning 
attention to professional rather than commercial life ; and 
the opening in Maine, which had just become an inde- 
pendent State, and also in other States, of many new fields 
for professional effort. 

This increase was not, at first, favorable to the influence 
of religion in the College. A large majority of those who 
entered were unconverted ; and though there was a con- 
siderable number of pious students of reputable character 
and attainment, their religious influence was not very 
decided, and the most zealous and devoted were not the 
most intellectual. The leading influences of the College 
were very far from being religious. 



43 

At the opening of the Fall term, in 1825, an unusually 
large number of pious students was admitted ; and, as the 
result of this accession, fourteen new members were received 
into the Circle. The first religious meeting of the Spring 
term, held on Sabbath morning, afforded indications of more 
than usual interest. On the succeeding Wednesday it was 
resolved, at a meeting of the Circle, to spend the next day 
— that of the Annual Concert of Prayer for Colleges, which 
had been established then about three years, — in fasting, 
humiliation, and prayer. The public services of this day 
were, a prayer meeting at College in the morning, followed 
by a similar meeting at the Conference room in the village ; 
and in the afternoon, a sermon, delivered in the Chapel, by 
President Allen. These meetings were all unusually solemn 
and profitable. An extract from a letter received from a 
clergyman, then a member of the Junior Class, will best 
convey an impression of their spirit. " I have an indistinct 
remembrance," he writes, "of the manifestation of some more 
than usual earnestness of desire among the praying students 
early in the year ; a desire in which the Officers of College 
appeared deeply to sympathize, and which some of them 
labored to encourage and increase. But no special develop- 
ment of this deep feeling appeared until in the Concert of 
Prayer for Colleges, in February. We were then assembled 
in the Vestry of the Congregational Church, down in the 
village. The Pastor was there ; three or four of the College 
Professors, with the President, were there ; and some fifteen 
or twenty students, besides a goodly number of the praying 
men and women of the village. It was evident that the 
Lord was there. I remember the peculiar earnestness 
evinced in the prayers. I remember with what evident 
fullness of soul those who took part in the exercises ex- 
pressed themselves ; and particularly our good Professor 
Newman, ( now in heaven, ) — whom some of us had pre- 
viously thought wanting in the warmer sympathies of the 
Christian heart, — how he seemed to be quite overcome 
with emotion ; broke down., as some would say ; weeping 



I 



44 

like a child, while in subdued tones he told us of what was 
passing in his own soul, and while he also led us in prayer 
to God. That day seemed to be followed with a blessing 
upon the College." 

" I shall never forget," writes another clergyman, then a 
member of the Sophomore Class, "the thrill of joy with 
which it was ere long confidentially whispered that one 
student was awakened. A new pulse of spiritual life seemed 
to beat in every heart, and the prayer of faith went up. 
Soon others were found; and one and another braved the 
public sentiment of College and attended our little circle. 
The Saturday evening meetings were thronged ; the Presi- 
dent and Professors manifested a lively interest, and held 
frequent conversations with the anxious and counseled the 
pious, A very interesting prayer meeting was held, weekly, 
in the President's Parlor." 

The progress of the work will best be indicated by some 
historical notices furnished me by Rev. Dr. Allen. " At an 
Inquiring meeting held on Thursday, April 13, fourteen 
were present. When individually asked if they were ac- 
customed at that time to pray to God, they all but one 
replied in the affirmative. Several of them had a deep 
sense of guilt; others were aware of their need of a new 
heart ; all of them were solemn and more or less earnest in 
the desire of God's mercy ; only one expressed a humble 
hope that he was a Christian convert. Only four of these 
had their impressions in the preceding week. 

" On Monday about ten Freshmen met for prayer. On 
Tuesday, April 18, there was another meeting, when most 
of those already referred to were present, with several others, 
one of whom had some previous impressions of his guilt 
and danger, and another had never prayed to God till lately. 

" At another meeting, April 25, there were six who ex- 
pressed a Christian hope. At meetings May 2, May 9, and 
May 16, from sixteen to eighteen were present ; of whom 
twelve professed to rejoice in the hope of eternal life through 
faith in the Son of God." 



45 

This revival, it has already been noticed, manifested 
itself first in the meetings for prayer, particularly on the 
occasion of united prayer for Colleges. The chief instru- 
mentality in its progress seems also to have been the same. 
As the interest increased, additional prayer meetings were 
appointed. Two were established — -one in each of the 
Colleges, Maine Hall and what was then called the New 
College, now Winthrop Hall — and were held regularly on 
Tuesday and Friday evenings, from about the middle of 
March until the close of the term. Upon one occasion, 
when the interest seemed not to be deepening, although it 
had widened, a day was set apart by the professors of reli- 
gion in College as a day of fasting and prayer that the 
good work of grace already begun might continue. 

With prayer, also, there was connected much personal 
effort. In a time of revival, truth has given to it a strong 
arresting power. It causes the sinner to stop and reflect. 
The things of God, of the soul, of eternity, seize upon his 
attention. Often then the mind is in suspense. It balances 
between giving to the subject of religion earnest considera- 
tion and dismissing it, between submitting to God and con- 
tinuing in disobedience. When the scales thus hang in 
equipoise, a word, fitly spoken, may give the preponderance 
to truth and right. He only is prepared to win souls to 
Christ, who, by secret prayer and the Spirit of Christ, is 
made willing and apt to avail himself of such fruitful 
opportunities. 

This arresting power of a revival, and the importance in 
such seasons of Christians seeking out and conversing with 
those who may be thoughtful, are illustrated by one of the 
conversions in the revival before us. 

In the Senior Class there was a young man of promising 
abilities and fine social qualities, who, to use his own testi- 
mony, had remained up to this time thoughtless and impeni- 
tent, and had incurred a fearful risk of temporal and eternal 
ruin from the free use of ardent spirits, then common among 
the students, and from the vicious habits of numbers of his 



46 

acquaintances. In the Spring term he was caught, as it 
were, in an atmosphere of prayer and spiritual influences. 
It was no particular remark or sermon, which he can now 
recall, that aroused his attention, but the change in the 
general religious aspect of the College and a pervading 
solemnity, that sobered him and made him think. These 
impressions he endeavored to shake off. For three weeks 
he struggled with them. He seemed to himself, at last, 
to be just ready to rid his mind of its serious convictions 
and to return to the old life of sin. At this critical moment 
he was sought out and visited by the Pastor of the Congre- 
gational Church, Rev. Mr. Mead. The remainder of the 
story I will give in his own words. " Mr. Mead convers- 
ed faithfully with me, and drew from me a promise that 
I would attend a meeting of his appointment in the village 
that evening. I did so. He took for his text then, 'Quench 
not the Spirit.' Shall I forget that text, or that night of 
sleepless wretchedness which followed the hearing the ser- 
mon from it ? Never, I think. Nor the next day, spent in 
the solitude of my room, heedless of all recitations, and 
even of the calls of hunger, till, as the shadows of the 
setting day began to fall on the earth, grace lifted the 
heavier shadows from my soul ; and morning broke, when 
evening came down. 

" That Revival in the spring of 1826, and that day of 
that Revival, have decided my course of life, and made me 
a minister of Christ. And now, — as your letter of inquiry 
takes me back over thirty years of my life, and sets me 
down again in that chamber where Heaven bent mercifully 
over me, and the Saviour whispered, ' Go in peace, thy sins 
are forgiven thee,' — I thank God with all my heart for that 
last Thursday in February, 1826. I have always under- 
stood that the interest in our College which resulted in that 
Revival, commenced with that day. I know that it was 
observed with prayer both in and out of the College walls, 
and, although I took no part in its observance, I hope and 
believe that I have, in wonderful grace, received of its 



47 

blessing. I think I shall remember the Spring of 1826 in 
Heaven." 

Another subject of this revival was a class-mate and 
intimate friend of the writer of the above extract, Rev. 
Joseph Sherman, who, in the midst of his usefulness as 
President of Jackson College, Tennesee, was suddenly cut 
down by death. " Troubled with doubts, and for months 
afraid to call the Saviour his own," continues the corres- 
pondent from whom I have just quoted, " how did he envy 
me the clear dawn of my Christian hope. How much more 
reason I had to envy him his steady, beautiful progress in 
holy life, when the mists of his morning had all passed 
away, and his trembling faith settled firmly down, at length, 
on the Rock that cannot be moved." 

Although the religious interest awakened in the Spring 
term of 1826 seemed, for a few weeks, to be somewhat 
general, the number of hopeful conversions did not prove to 
be large enough to give the religious students a numerical 
ascendancy. They still remained a comparatively small 
minority. A change in this respect soon began to take 
place, — not so much, at first, through conversions within the 
College, as in consequence of religious awakening and 
gi'owth in the churches. The period from 1826 to 1834 was 
characterized by extensive and powerful revivals of religion, 
— one effect of which was, to greatly increase, in our semina- 
ries of learning, the number of pious students. This was 
the result here ; nor was it in numbers only that there was 
a gain. Coming fresh from revivals, many entered who 
were desirous of exerting a healthful moral influence, and 
who could be depended on in the Praying Circle, and in all 
places of religious duty. These, — together with such men 
as Munson, the missionary and martyr ; George W. Cole, 
afterwards a clergyman in the Episcopal church, and early 
cut down by death, a man, to use the testimony of a fellow 
student,* " of a piety so deep and pure, as to make him as 
mild and generous to his brethren as he was devoted to God ;" 

* Rev. ]Mr. Bartol, ol Boston. 



48 

Merritt Caldwell, afterwards professor in Dickinson College, 
and an ornament ,to the Methodist church ; and others, still 
living, who were here men of mark and earnest in their en- 
deavors to communicate healthful spiritual impulses to those 
around them,— constituted a firm band of consistent, living 
Christian disciples. I wish not to eulogize them. They 
might have done more than they did. They were connected 
with some whose lives were a scandal and an offense. They 
did not come fully up to the true standard of Christian charity, 
fidelity, courage, and hopefulness, in approaching those sup- 
posed to be thoughtless. A certain circle had some reason 
to suppose that they were abandoned to ruin by the profess- 
edly pious students. The Christian men waited for this 
class to come to them with the question. What must we 
do to be saved. They, on the other hand, waited to have 
the subject introduced by Christians, — and so, in some in- 
stances, the silence was never broken. Yet there was, in the 
College, a constant, steady flame of piety. There were ex- 
amples, and these not a few, that shone unintermittingly 
and brightly. There were true-hearted Christians, who, to 
use the testimony of those not then of their number, exerted 
a powerful moral influence, and upheld the standard of the 
gospel, and made religion respected even by those who resis- 
ted its claims. 

For several years after the year 1828, there were frequent- 
ly recurring seasons of special religious interest. The most 
marked of these revivals commenced in the Fall term of 
1830, and continued, without much abatement, during the 
year, although most of the cases of conversion occurred be- 
fore the winter vacation. Soon after the opening of the col- 
lege year, the prayer meetings became so crowded that it 
was found necessary to hold them in one of the recitation 
rooms. Those who had made a profession of religion were 
inspired with fresh zeal. Some from each class selected, 
from their class-mates, certain persons as special objects of 
prayer and efl'ort. The interest thus was much increased ; 
and prayer meetings were held daily, for a while, between 



49 

the hours of tw^elve and one. In conducting these meetings, 
the students were assisted, occasionally, by the College 
Otiicers and by the Pastor of the Congregational church, 
Rev. Dr. Adams, and also, during the Spring term, by Drs. 
Mussey and Delamater of the Medical School. During 
the progress of the exercises, the interest, it is said, some- 
times became intense, so much so that some who attended 
were quite overpowered by their emotions. These frequent 
gatherings for prayer, — preaching, in the church, the chapel, 
and the conference room, on the most important and solemn 
subjects, addressed with great plainness and directness to 
the conscience and the heart, — the steady light of personal 
piety glowing in the hearts and lives of Christian men, and 
the words of friendly counsel and invitation not unfre- 
quently addressed by them to the impenitent, — were the 
means employed. The results were great and blessed, — 
from twenty-five to thirty cordially receiving the Redeemer, 
bringing to his standard here a large proportion of the talents 
and scholarship of the institution, and giving to his church 
in our land some of its brightest stars. The experience of 
these converts was not at all rigidly moulded according to 
one pattern. Here, a mind seemed first to be subdued by 
a perception of the utter inexcusableness and ingratitude of 
its past unbelief ; there, by a delighted discovery and appre- 
hension of the goodness and grace of God. Where the 
sense of sin had been vivid, the realization of the worthi- 
ness and sufficiency of the Saviour brought unutterable joy. 
In other instances, where the work of God's grace was 
equally thorough and permanent, there was far less strength 
of feeling. Some saw, in their new purposes of obedience 
to their Heavenly Father, the fruits of seeds sown in early 
childhood, and nurtured by a mother's tears and prayers. 
Others seemed to themselves to be at once brous^ht to a 
stand, with the question of life or death pressing upon them 
for an instantaneous decision. A few who had been openly 
wicked, and hostile to religion, were turned with apparent 
suddenness from their enmity and evil courses, and at the 
7 



50 

beginning of their new life, were strengthened for the con- 
flicts before them by clear visions of the grace and glory of 
their Redeemer. Others, of fairer lives, came more slowly 
to the discovery of their need of the Saviour, and to an 
entire trust in Him for salvation ; and, after putting their 
confidence in Him and consecrating their lives to his service, 
sometimes struggled through much spiritual darkness before 
they walked, with assured step, in the light. Some harm 
was done by injudicious persons inquiring of those who 
were serious, if they had found hope and joy, which — 
though they usually accompany conversion, and always, in 
the end, are its fruit — are by no means essential to it. In 
these respects, as well as in all other circumstances of con- 
version, there may be the greatest diversity of experience. 
It is not wise or safe for any inquirer to make the experience 
of any one else, in all respects, his pattern. The great 
question is, Have you repented of sin ? Are you, from love 
to God, obeying Him ? Are you conforming to the methods 
of his grace in Jesus Christ, and cordially entering upon a 
life of constant, endless service ? Those who have been 
referred to — however in other respects their experience dif- 
fered — gave one reply to such inquiries. Some of them were 
naturally endowed with superior powers of discrimination. 
No one acquainted with the character of their minds will 
affirm that their professed conversion was a chimera, — that 
it was fanaticism, or superstition, or the product of any arti- 
ficial or irrational excitement. In some cases it was the 
fruit of deliberate, long-continued, and earnest thoughtful- 
ness. One of the first converts was a young man who 
came to College desiring to know, that lie might obey, the 
will of his Maker. He made all his arrangements, upon 
entering, with this purpose primarily in view. He took a 
room out of the college halls, that he might be less inter- 
rupted in his religious studies, and have time for reflection. 
His leisure moments were given to serious, earnest, practi- 
cal thought. In his whole method of life, religion — his 
relations to God and the claims of God upon him — had 



51 

assigned to it its true position. He ihougJit upon his ways; 
he sought first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. 
He found, in the end, satisfying evidence that this kingdom 
was established within him. Another of these converts 
was one whose clearness and acuteness of intellectual vision 
have seldom been surpassed. In his college life he wore 
the aspect of a maturity and gravity beyond his years. 
At the time when his religious character became decided, 
he was often seen walking, with heavy, measured pace, 
thoughtfully and alone. " Two students, knowing that he 
had been for several days serious, made him an evening 
call for the purpose of seeing how it fared with him, and, if 
possible, to help him. As his friends entered, he was sitting 
at his table with his Bible open before him ; and, as he 
turned to look at his visitors, a smile of beauty illumined 
his fine countenance. He had begun to hope in the Lord 
Jesus ; and he proceeded to detail the process of the 
Spirit's working. He had just been comparing the splen- 
did portrayal by Isaiah of the suffering Messiah with 
the Evangelical account of the Passion. His cool, clear 
eye had been scrutinizing the prophecy and the fulfillment, 
and .saw, as with unclouded vision', that Jesus was the 
Christ — that He was what He professed to be, the Saviour 
and Sacrifice for the world, and like the Eunuch under 
similar circumstances, he trusted for himself, and was 
already going on his way rejoicing." 

But a safer test of the reality and worth of the spiritual 
renewal professed by the subjects of this revival, is that of 
time. The change wrought in them has changed their lives. 
It has borne fruit whose excellence cannot be questioned. 
It has evinced its worth and power in lives of eminent and 
increasing virtue, and in deaths made peaceful, and even 
triumphant, in the assured hope of immortal blessedness. 
The tree is known by its fruit. These converts professed, 
while here, to have been changed in heart. This change, 
by its results, is proved to have been real and salutary. It 
has shaped and controlled the feelings and activities of sub- 



52 

sequent years. It has been fruitful in well ordered, earnest, 
beneficent lives. If the effect is good, and only good, — 
and of great importance, — is it rational to deny the worth 
of the cause ? And if experimental religion, — the new heart 
shown by the new life, — beside being thus the source of 
distinguished virtue and usefulness here, is also what God's 
word invariably declares it to be, essential to salvation and 
to the eternal welfare of the soul, is it not most irrational 
to neglect it, and most unsafe and dangerous to be without 
it? 

For what, do you think, our friend and brother* whom 
God has taken, the last week, to Himself, as he lay pros- 
trate upon his dying bed, would have exchanged his hope 
of salvation through faith in Christ, or even a single act of 
obedience to God which evinced to him the sincerity of his 
trust? Think you he now regrets, that, at the beginning of 
his College course, he gave his attention to religion, and 
sought till he obtained ? And if it is safe, and only safe, 
to die with a heart " replete with Christian feelings," is it 
not worth while to seek now, without delay, to make them 
your own ? 

Many whom I now address are fast filling up the days 
of their College life. Soon, at the longest, your history 
here will be sealed. What shall the record be ? What, 
my brethren in Christ, shall be yom*s ? Will you add 
your names to those who here have turned many to Christ ? 
Will you do here, in Christ's name, a work which it will be 
grateful ever to hold in remembrance ? Will you live for 
your Master, and for those He has died to save ? What 
shall be the history of your College life ? You may write 
it in letters of living light. 

And how shall yours be written who have not yet num- 
bered yourselves among the friends of God and the follow- 
ers of his Son ? Shall these years of quiet thought, of 
preparation for the future, leave you really all unprepared 

* Wilbur Savage, a much respected and beloved member of the Senior Class, 
who died March 23, 1858. 



53 

for life's noblest work ? Shall these times, when God's Spirit 
is poured forth and is near you, waiting to bless your efforts 
to find his favor, leave you still without God and without 
hope in the world ? Shall the record of this day of accept- 
ance and salvation be, that you dismissed the momentous 
question of your eternal welfare from your thoughts ; that 
you slighted the proffered good ; that you took not into your 
view both worlds ; that you turned from Him who speaks to 
you from Heaven, the Author of your being, the Author of 
Redemption, the Judge and Lord of all : — or that, by sub- 
mission to his will, and trust in his Son, in whom alone 
you can be saved, you made Him your eternal Friend and 
Portion ? What shall the record be ? 



THIRD DISCOURSE. 



DELIVERED SABBx^TH EVENING, JULY 18, 1858. 



During the temporary absence from office of President 
Allen, — viz., from September, 1831, until July 6, 1833, — the 
duties usually devolving upon the head of the College were 
discharged by Mr. Newman, then Professor of Rhetoric and 
Instructor in Political Economy. He was a graduate of 
Harvard University, where he attained distinction as a 
scholar and unusual literary reputation. The attention of 
President Appleton was early directed to him as a suitable 
person to fill one of the vacant professorships here. In 
1818, he was chosen Tutor : in 1820, he was made Professor 
of the Greek and Latin Languages : and in 1824, was 
transferred to the chair of Rhetoric ; in which he remained, 
until, in 1839, ill health compelled him to resign. 

Though the task would be a grateful one, it is not alto- 
gether appropriate to our present purpose, to analyze his 
intellectual and literary character, and his influence as an 
academical instructor. It should be said, however, in pas- 
sing, that he early gained the confidence of his pupils, and 
was peculiarly successful in encouraging them to effort for 
the cultivation of their minds, and in removing the diffi- 
culties which are apt to dishearten those commencing the 
work of composition. In the studies of his own depart- 
ment, his mind was well versed ; and his fine literary culture, 



n 



55 

combined with a disposition remarkably amiable and genial, 
gave a peculiar charm to his instructions and his society. 
But his most marked characteristic, and one especially de- 
serving notice here, was the simplicity — the evident honesty 
and truthfulness — of his mind ; a trait which sometimes, 
— perhaps in part through the influence of a somewhat 
languid natural temperament, — passed over into undue cau- 
tiousness and indecision. When his mind first took a de- 
cidedly serious and religious direction, I have not been able 
to learn. He appears, however, to have been susceptible to 
religious influences even from early childhood, and, while a 
student at Harvard, in company with his room-mate Samuel 
Green, was wont to attend the meetings of the Saturday/ 
Evening' Society, — an association founded for devotional 
purposes, by the missionary Newell when a student in Col- 
lege. In January, 1818, a few months after entering upon 
his duties as Tutor, Mr. Newman was received into the 
South Church in Andover, Mass. One of the earliest 
glimpses I have obtained of him as a religious man, is 
through the recollections of a townsman, who remembers 
hearing him, about this time, give with much animation, in 
the Vestry in Andover, an account of the revivals which 
occurred in this College in 1816 and 1817. It is always 
interesting to mark, in the history of any mind, the time 
when it becomes the recipient of living influences. Such a 
period, for Mr. Newman, was, undoubtedly, that of his 
Tutorship. He was received into the family of President 
Appleton, watched with him during his last sickness, and 
often led in prayer at his bedside. Several letters, written 
by Mr.' Newman at this time, are peculiarly interesting 
from the confidential relations they disclose as existing 
between him and the President, and from the light they 
shed on his forming religious character. Under date, for 
example, of August 21, 1819, he writes as follows : " I can 
think of little else than our sick President. To-day he has 
been verp feeble. You will not wonder that he has such 
full possession of my mind when I tell you that I have just 



56 

left his bedside, where 1 am accustomed to offer up my 
prayers with his afflicted family for all those blessings which 
both he and they so much need. When I look at the world, 
after being present in a scene like this, how trifling do all 
its concerns appear. It is indeed true that 

' The chamber where the good man meets his fate 
Is privileged beyond the common walk 
Of virtuous life, quite in the verge of Heaven.' 

" President Appleton appears as eminent as a Christian, 
as he has done as a scholar and a man. Few men have 
stronger ties to bind them to this world.* * * Still his heart 
is fixed, trusting in God. He has given up all that is dear 
to him to the protection of his Heavenly Father, and seems 
already to have become elevated above the world. The 
instruction which is here afforded, is, indeed, most valuable," 
Again, three months later, (Nov. 21), a few days after 
the death of the President, he thus expresses himself: 

"I have been this evening to visit the grave of my much 
loved and respected friend. It is nearly a mile and a half 
from the village,* and the loneliness of the walk gave abun- 
dant opportunity for meditation. As I turned from him to 
return, I seemed to hear his affectionate ' Good night,' as 
when I have often left him during his sickness. He seemed 
to say to me — ' Go back into the world, and be active in all 
the various duties of life. Work, while the day lasts, for 
the night of death is approaching. See that your heart is 
right with God, and prepare to rest by my side.' Oh I do 
indeed feel that I have lost much. I loved him as a father, 
and had God spared his life, he would have been a father 
to me. I bless his memory, and, with God's assistance, I 
will imitate his excellences." 

W^here the Saco, at Fryeburg, shoots so many times its 
silver thread back and forth through the emerald meadows, 
I remember once noticing, apparently remote from the flow- 

* The remains of President Appleton were first deposited in the burial ground 
south of the village. The}^ have since, with those of President M'Keen, been 
removed to the cemetery in the rear of the college buildings. 



57 

ing waters, a curving line of century growing elms, which 
stretched their wide reaching arms, aad raised their leafy 
honors, far above any of their fellows. They had once, I 
learned, stood upon the bank of the stream, which, though 
it had now receded, formerly flowed at their feet, and from 
year to year had left its rich deposites of soil, and still, 
through myriad secret channels, brought abundant moisture 
within the compass of their spreading roots. If you see a 
man strong and noble, you may know that he has stood, 
probably in early years, by some pure stream of Truth, and 
sent down a root there forever to draw from it richness 
and nourishment. So was it with the beloved teacher of 
whom I speak. Life, a probation, — life, real and earnest, — 
life to be filled up with duty actively discharged, — the heart 
to be put and kept right with God, — these and kindred prin- 
ciples henceforth were implanted in his soul and made con- 
trolling. His unfolding religious life is one of the most 
beautiful examples with which I am acquainted of the 
verification of the Saviour's promise. If any man will do the 
will of God^ he shall knoiv of the doctrine. 

For several years after Mr. Newman came here, it was 
thought, by many, that his true theological position was 
with those who were then departing from the orthodox faith. 
A more correct statement would be, that his mind was held 
in reserve upon some of the questions then in controversy. 
The supreme divinity of Jesus Christ, redemption through 
faith in His blood, and without the works of the law, — 
upon these and others of the profounder yet most important 
and practical truths of the Christian system, he remained 
in suspense. There is on record an affecting prayer of Dr. 
Watts, the Christian lyrist, the burthen of which is a suppli- 
cation for light. Such was for some time the attitude and 
prayer of Mr. Newman. With him religion was eminently 
practical. He felt that he was responsible for his religious 
belief, and that the truths of religion affected him as no 
others could. Hedesired to know that he might obey. He 
sought to see clearly the true foundation that he might 
8 



58 

build upon it his immortal hopes. Conforming his life 'to 
the truth which he saw, and opening his heart to its 
beams, he grew in knowledge and in grace. In the end, 
faith triumphed, and doubt and darkness fled away. 

Allusion has already been made* to the part which he 
took in the memorable Concert of Prayer in February, 
1826, and to the impression bis Christian fervor made upon 
others. His mind seems, at this time, to have come more 
clearly into the light of the Cross. The haze which had 
obscured it to his view began to disappear. The love of 
Christ, — the death for all of the Righteous One, that God 
may be just and the justiiier of him that believe th in Jesus, 
— salvation freely offered to the guilty, and freely bestow^ed 
upon the penitent believer, — these facts and motives of 
Redemption were now more fully seen and more deeply felt. 
They at once stirred his heart to know more of the Saviour, 
to drink more deeply of his spirit, and to bring others to 
the fountains of his own refreshment. In the labors of the 
pulpit, and in the more familiar services of the Conference 
room, he took a lively interest. He also performed a large 
amount of pastoral service, especially in visits to the sick 
and dying. The devotional element was naturally pre- 
dominant in his religious character. This, combined with 
his high literary culture, the delicacy of his taste, and the 
felicity of his language, — now informed with the Spirit of 
the gospel, — made his- petitions, whether offered in the 
chamber of suffering and sorrow, or at morning and evening 
in the College chapel, or wherever he was called upon to 
lead in supplication, always peculiarly appropriate and 
impressive. For the salvation of the students, as we have 
seen, his heart was deeply moved. Beside delivering reli- 
gious lectures he sought in more private ways, by personal 
intercourse and kindness, to gain access for the truth. I 
remember being pointed to a spot on the carpet of his 
study, once, I was told, completely saturated with the tears 
which were shed by one of his pupils while he led him in 



59 

prayer to the Saviour. He opened the heart with the key 
which had unlocked his own. 

The death of Mr. Newman was beautifully in keeping 
with his previous history. Though it occurred after he 
resigned his professorship,* it may properly be noticed in 
this sketch, since it was the fitting close of the life which 
ripened here, and illustrates its deeper spirit. 

About a year previous to the termination of his life, 
Professor Newman, referring to desires long entertained by 
him for higher attainments in the knowledge of Christy 
thus writes to a former associate in the College Faculty, to 
whom he had often before opened his heart. " The last 
month has been to me a blessed period. I have come out 
from under the cloud, and comparatively I dwell in light. 
It has been for years my desire to see more clearly, and with 
a heart more deeply moved, the preciousness of the Saviour; 
and I do think that of late the Spirit of God has revealed 
Him to me, and shown me his loveliness and excellence. 
I love to think upon Him — to follow Him about from one 
scene to another of his benevolence, and to gather up the 
precious words of heavenly wisdom which He utters. I 
can look at Him, I can see Him as a Saviour, and there are 
precious hours, when, with confiding joy, I feel safe in his 
hands. 

" Most sincerely do I thank my God that my soul is 
thus returning to its rest, and that, in relation to every ob- 
ject and event that agitates my heart — my beloved family — 
kindred and friends — my future prospects and employments 
in life, and, above all, my eternal destination, I have no 
anxiety ; for I can feel that God's will is my wilL" 

" Fully to appreciate this most interesting statement," 
adds the friend to whom it was addressed, " it must be 
recollected that it is the recorded experience of a man of 
high intellectual culture, made at a time when he was able 
himself most clearly to understand and to describe his reli- 
gious emotions; and that he was, moreover, a man of calm 

* He died at Andover, Mass., February 10, 1842. 



60 

and equable temperament, and cautious, almost to a fault, 
in the statement of his religious views and feelings. To 
the time of his departure the cloud did not return, nor his 
faith and joy fail." 

" It was my privilege," continues the same writer, " to 
be near him, a few days, about a fortnight before his de- 
cease. During our interview I refeiTed to what he had 
written to me in respect to his clearer apprehensions of 
Christ as a Saviour, the preciousness of Christ to him, and 
his own feelings of submission to the Divine will. Have 
you the same feelings now, I asked ? He replied, 'You know 
that some years ago, I had some difficulties on some of these 
points ; but all is clear now. Great have been my peace 
and comfort.' You know then, by your own experience, 
that it is through the Cross that we are reconciled to God ? 
' Yes, (with great emphasis,) I do. I see the adaptation of 
the Gospel to meet all my wants.' In further conversa- 
tion he remarked, ' I do not know what confficts are be- 
fore me ; but I feel now that I am falling asleep like a 
babe upon the bosom of its mother.' And in thus re- 
clining on the bosom of the Saviour, I trust that you feel 
safe ? ' Yes,' he replied, with strong emotion, ' I do.' He 
expressed a hope, if he lived, that he should be able to do 
more for Christ than he had done ; and then, raising his 
hands, his countenance beaming w^ith intense emotion, he 
added, ' but I bless God that I am able to bear the feeble 
testimony I now do to the truth of the Gospel, its power 
to sustain and comfort me.' He probably supposed that 
this was our last interview ; it was, as I understood him, 
his dying testimony that he thus wished to give. Contrary 
to expectation, he had a comfortable night. In the morn- 
ing I read to him from the eighth chapter of Romans. 
He commented, as I proceeded, upon the preciousness to 
him of the truths it presented, — as, that to him who is in 
Christ there is no condemnation — the power of the atone- 
ment to produce in the heart the fruits of righteousness, 
which the law in itself is impotent to accomplish — the 



61 

glorious privilege of the believer in being adopted as a 
son of God, — wondered that there could ever be any doubt 
about the meaning of the expressions there used, said they 
were all plain to him, did not need any commentator. 

" In further conversation he referred to a sermon which I 
had preached, some years before, from Isaiah 48 : 18, — said 
that he had thought a great deal of that text of late — es- 
pecially the phrase, then had. thy peace been as a river \ and 
then, extending his hands, his whole form dilating with the 
struggle to convey the idea, he exclaimed, ' I cannot express 
it, I cannot explain it to you, but it does seem to me that 
my peace is as a river — a mighty stream, flowing all through 
me, and filling me to overflowing.' 

" It is impossible to convey any adequate idea of his 
appearance at this moment. The words, striking as they 
are, are lifeless in themselves compared with the deep mean- 
ing they conveyed as they fell from his lips. He appeared 
to me as one that had already taken full possession of his 
rest. To be near him, seemed indeed to be ' quite in the 
verge of Heaven.' I could only wonder, and admire the 
grace that was vouchsafed to him."* 

He finally fell asleep without a struggle, — in his last 
hours still bearing testimony to the blessedness of the Gos- 
pel in its power to sustain and comfort the soul, and giving 
utterance to his faith and hope in the words of the beauti- 
ful hymn. 

My faith looks up to thee, 
Thou Lamb of Calvary, 
Saviour Divine ! 

So died a Christian Scholar, — his face turned to the Sun 
of Truth, the peace of Heaven in his heart. Let us cherish 
his memory. Let us learn the lesson of his conflict and 
victory, of his thoughtful, truthful life and peaceful 
death. The way to divine knowledge is obedience. The 
price of heavenly enlightenment is humble discipleship. 
The victory that overcometh the world is faith in Jesus. — 

* See Appendix E. 



62 

Who is he that overcometh the worlds hut he that helieveth 
that Jesus is the Son of God ? 

The terms during which Professor Newman occupied 
the President's chair, with the exception, perhaps, of the 
Fall session of 183 L, appear to have been, as regards the 
internal condition of College, among the most quiet and 
pleasant in its history. Throughout this period, and also 
during the two succeeding years, that is, from 1831 to 1835, 
a majority of the students were professedly pious, and the 
preponderance of talents and influence was very decidedly 
on the side of vital religion. Many names now dear to 
the churches are grouped, in the College Triennial, within 
this period, and they represent men, in principles, character, 
force, substantially the same then as now; — men who gave 
an elevated tone to the public sentiment of College, and 
secured for it a high reputation, while they gained for them- 
selves treasures of sound learning and Christian discipline 
which have proved invaluable. 

A marked and deeply interesting feature of the piety 
developed during these years was its missionary spirit. 
Small circles of Christians, occupying rooms in the same 
hall, or otherwise easily brought together, were wont to 
meet every noon or at nine o'clock in the evening for social 
prayer, and a leading object of supplication was the conver- 
sion of their impenitent associates. Several societies of 
inquiry, having special reference to the wants of the heathen 
world, were also sustained. This interest in the cause of 
missions and sympathy with its spirit were much quickened, 
in the year 1833, by the sojourn here, for a few months, of 
the missionaries Johnson, Tracy, Lyman, and Munson. 
While attending the lectures of the Medical School, pre- 
paratory to embarking for their chosen fields of labor, they 
frequently were present at the social religious meetings held 
in the College, and imparted to them often a thrilling in- 
terest. Generous minds could not fail of being impressed 
by the spectacle of Christian heroism presented in the lives 
of these devoted men ; and their words of exhortation, urging 



63 

to trustful, self-denying, courageous labor for the advance- 
ment of the Redeemer's kingdom, touched and stirred the 
Christian heart of College. The subsequent career of 
Cyrus Hamlin, Daniel Dole, and Eiias Bond, as well as the 
very large number of the students then in College who en- 
tered the ministry, evinces the reality and power of the im- 
pression thus produced. " It was in my room," writes a 
member of the class of 1834, " at the close of one of the 
most delightful Sabbath morning prayer meetings I ever at- 
tended, that Hamlin whispered to Mr. Munson, who had ad- 
dressed the meeting on the claims of Missions, ' You may 
expect my coming to a foreign field at the proper time,' — a 
pledge which has been well fulfilled.* 

In the Spring of 1834, there was a special outpouring of 
the Holy Spirit upon the College. The pious students ap- 
pear to have separated at the close of the Fall term in 1833, 
and to have re-assembled at the opening of the ensuing term 
in February, 1834, with feelings of unusual solicitude for 
their unconverted friends. " Christians begin now to exam- 
ine themselves and to agonize with God in prayer," writes 
the Secretary of the Circle on the day of the Concert of 
Prayer, February 27. Many previous entries testify to a 
general humble and earnest desire for the descent of the 
Spirit and the gifts of his renewing grace ; as do also the 
words of a hymn composed for the Circle by one of its mem- 
bers, (Nathan Dole,) and entered upon its records with the 
title, " Parents of impenitent sons to pious students," follow- 
ed by six stanzas, containing an earnest appeal to Christians 
in the College to do all in their power for the salvation of 
those under their influence, for whose conversion prayer was 
daily ascending from the family altar. 

Toward the close of the month of March, special effort 
was made in the village to bring the truths of religion to the 
attention of the impenitent. A protracted meeting was held 
in the Congregational church, beginning on Monday, March 

* The room where this fruitful promise was made is No. 16, (N. C), Wia- 
throp Hall. 



64 

24th, and ending April 2d. At the time it comraenced, God's 
Providence had already, in the College, sobered even the 
most careless and frivolous. On the Sabbath which opened 
the week set apart for religious services, the Officers and stu- 
dents followed from the church to the grave the remains of 
the venerated widow of the first President. Soon after, on 
the same day, they were assembled in the chapel to listen to 
a funeral discourse from President Allen, called out by the 
decease of Morton and Packard, two members of the Junior 
Class. On Monday afternoon, together with the professors 
and students of the Medical School, and many citizens of 
the place, they again assembled in the Congregational church 
to listen to a sermon from the President upon the death of a 
member of the Medical Class. It was " a very solemn day," 
wrote in his diary one of the students who had seemed to 
his associates bent only upon fun and frolic. The death of 
Mr. Holman, the medical student referred to, was very sud- 
den and distressing, and, from his character and position, one 
fitted to make an unusually serious impression. He was a 
young man of unusual promise, enthusiastic in his studies, 
foremost in his class, and was expecting in a few weeks to 
take his degree. He was cut down in perfect health, after 
a sickness of only eight days, during most of which time he 
suffered excruciating pain. " J have gone poorly clothed and 
poorly fed," he remarked shortly before his decease, " that I 
might have an education, which can now be of no avail to 
me." He died in extreme agony. The solemnities of his 
funeral, and the lessons which were faithfully inculcated by 
the President, appear to have deeply affected many minds. 
In the evening. Rev. Dr. Tyler preached ; and on the next 
day there was preaching, in the morning, afternoon, and 
evening. Similar exercises — with occasional addresses by 
the pastors of the Congregational churches in Brunswick and 
Topsbam, Rev. Messrs. Adams and Hawes — were conduct- 
ed from day to day, until Wednesday of the following week, 
by Rev. Messrs. Tyler, Shepard, Sewall, Tappan, Kent, and 
Professor Pond. " A report," writes President Allen, "of all 



65 

these sermons and addresses, thirty in number, could be 
made up of certain minutes now before me, were it neces- 
sary. They were most faithful, plain, and pungent. * * * * 
Inquiry meetings were held. April 12, there were reckoned 
twenty-two recent converts in College." 

" The meetings in the church," writes a friend now settled 
in the ministry in one of the cities of Massachusetts, "were 
quite a novelty then and attracted the attention of the stu- 
dents, and they attended in large numbers. The impression 
was deep from the very first. Though I had determined not 
to go, yet I found myself in attendance at the first service, 
and deeply impressed the first day. I went to my room, at 
the close of the afternoon service, weeping and convicted. 
Others as well as myself were early interested. There was 
no opposition, at least none that I knew of. A deep serious- 
ness pervaded the entire College. Meetings of all kinds 
were fully attended and often crowded. There were several 
addresses given directly to the students, — addresses very 
pungent and direct, in the recitation rooms, by several cler- 
gymen." Upon the work in general, another subject of this 
revival, now a clergyman in Connecticut, makes the follow- 
ing comments : " The impression left strongly on my mind, 
at this distance of more than twenty years, is that the work 
was deeply solemn and happily free from excitement. 
Everything was quiet, truth was faithfully and affectionately 
presented and pressed upon the conscience, and very little 
extra human machinery was made use of. There was, it is 
true, a ' protracted meeting,' at that time deemed almost 
indispensable, — but so far as I remember all the meetings 
were qtiiet and orderly ; and the two grand objects seemed 
to be to hold forth the truth, and to plead in prayer for the 
descent and power of the Holy Ghost. Of the preachings 
I have the most distinct and pleasing recollection of that of 
our own Pastor, and of Dr. Pond. I thought all the preach- 
ing was good. * * * 

" A delightful and important feature of the revival was 
the interest and activity of private Christians. Both in the 
9 



66 

village church and in the College, Christians were deeply 
interested, and many were actively engaged. 1 believe 
there was a great deal of closet prayer, and a great deal of 
private labor — individual effort. Much was done in this 
way in College. I think it was said at the time that every 
member of College^ not already professedly pious, was 
sought out and conversed with." 

After mentioning the names of several students who were 
active and useful in this work, and alluding also to the lively 
interest taken in it by the College Faculty, particularly by 
one still with us whose Christian wisdom and faithful pri- 
vate counsels have been instrumental in guiding many 
wanderers heavenward and homeward, — the same writer 
continues : — " In the religious history of the College, I think 
honorable mention should be made of Phehe* She felt, 
for years, a deep interest in its spiritual welfare ; and as I 
well remember, had a deep anxiety for the students during 
this revival of 1834. In the disclosures of the great day, I 
have no doubt it will appear that Phebe's prayer of humble, 
simple faith was a great and largely honored instrumentality 
in preserving and raising the tone of piety in College. I 
speak of this here because it has always impressed and 
interested me, because I recollect it was/e/^ by the students 
and others during this revival, and because I think it is trueP 
I need not pause to explain the allusion here made. 
Other pens have delighted to trace those veiled and lowly 
virtues, that " uniform, consistent, humble, cheerful, glowing 
piety" whose name was Phebe. In this community her 
memory is still fresh and fragrant ; her name has become a 
household word. The deep interest which she took in the 

* Phebe Ann Jacobs, a colored woman well known in college circles for her 
simple, unobtrusive, fervent piety. She was born a slave, lived for many years 
as a domestic in the families of Presidents Wheelock and Allen, and after the 
death of Mrs. Allen, in 1828, until her own death, February 28, 1850, lived most 
of the time by herself, earning a livelihood by wabhing and ironing for the stu- 
dents. See Publications of the American Tract Society, No. 536, also the 
Christian Mirror for June 6, 1850. 



67 

College has often been remarked upon, — an interest which 
led her to offer abundant heartfelt and earnest supplications 
in its behalf. Near the beginning of the revival we are 
considering, on the morning of the day in February set 
apart for the annual Concert of Prayer for Colleges, a 
prayer meeting was appointed in the village at the early 
hour of six. To make sure of a suitable preparation of the 
place of meeting, Phebe's Pastor, Rev. Dr. Adams, I use his 
words, himself went to the vestry at five ; but Phebe was 
there before him and had been two hours upon the door step, 
waiting- for the room to be opened, meaniohile lifting up her 
soul in prayer. Precious seed, sown in faith and watered 
with tears, beneath that wintry sky! How it sprang up 
and bore fruit an hundred fold in her Pastor's strengthened 
heart ; in many souls renewed and quickened from on high ; 
in spirits made strong to brave the perils of missionary life, 
and apt to teach nations of whom the humble sower never 
heard; in labors now crowned with success on the hill-sides 
of New England, on the prairies of the West, in the great 
metropolis, wherever hearts then replenished from above 
have carried the messages of God's grace ! 

It is here also worthy of mention that at the period of 
this revival a circle of Christian women, with whom Phebe 
was wont to meet, made special prayer for the three mem- 
bers of College belonging to Brunswick, neither of whom 
was religious. They were all converted, and are now active 
ministers of the Gospel. 

To one of these individuals allusion is made in the 
following extract from the note-book of a friend : " In the 
forenoon of the last day of the protracted meeting, A. and 
P., who occupied rooms adjacent to mine, came into 
my room. Said A., 'Come, let us go over and see the 
winding up of the meeting.' We all went, and Professor 
Pond preached the closing discourse from John 9 : 27, He 
answered them, I have told you already and ye did not hear : 
wherefore would ye hear it again ? will ye also be his disci- 
ples ? 



68 

" We all went without any definite object ; but simply 
as a matter of curiosity and to spend an idle hour between 
the eleven o'clock recitation and dinner. I sat between my 
companions, and one was cut down on the right hand and 
the other on the left ; for both were brought under convic- 
tion, and both were converted to God : one is now a settled 
minister, and the other is a useful physician. Nor was I 
passed by. I was probably under as deep conviction of sin 
as either of the others, and saw my situation as clearly : 
yet they two returned to their rooms to pray and meditate ; 
I to mine, to dissipate all serious impressions. They made 
known their feelings and received the encouragement and 
sympathy of Christian friends ; I concealed mine, and asso- 
ciated only with the gay and thoughtless. In a word, they 
yielded and were happy ; I resisted and was wretched. In 
passing this era of my life I will not omit to state, that here 
I committed one gi'eat error, viz., in not yielding my heart 
to God at this time ; for I am now persuaded that it would 
have enhanced my happiness an hundred fold. And I will 
say nothing of the danger and the sinfulness of thus reject- 
ing the influences of the Holy Spirit. I concealed my 
feelings. No one ever knew I had a serious thought, and I 
gradually wore them off; although I have never forgotten 
the sermon alluded to, nor the solemnity of the day, and I 
must date from that my first religious impressions." 

Allusion has been made to the activity of professors of 
religion in promoting this revival. It is perhaps just to say, 
that, as was the case in the revival of 1831, there was a class 
of students, — the seemingly frivolous and gay, — who felt 
themselves somewhat excluded from general Christian sym- 
pathy. Probably not one of them, except by his own act, 
failed of receiving from some one or more pious friends a 
word of kindly warning and counsel. Yet, to use the lan- 
guage of the friend who has given me the incident just re- 
cited, "the lines of distinction at this time were drawn in 
College marked and distinct between the pious and those 
not pious. The pious roomed by themselves, associated by 



69 

themselves, and went by themselves. The gay and thought- 
less were on their part obliged to go by themselves, or ob- 
trude themselves upon the company of others. I do not 
pretend to throw off the blame which attaches to me upon 
them, — far from it; I only say that, had they given me their 
counsel and advice, I might perhaps have yielded my heart 
to God." 

Upon the remaining years of President Allen's admin- 
istration it is not necessary to dwell. From year to year, 
there were occasional conversions. The meetings of the 
Praying Circle generally were w^ell sustained, and gave evi- 
dence, especially during the Spring terms, of a good degree 
of spiritual life. Those who were faithful in attending, found 
them a rich blessing ; and their influence upon the College 
at large was clearly perceptible. Within these years, also, 
occur some names of Christian men who were distinguished 
in College for talents, diligence, and Christian integrity. I 
may mention one, that of William Reed Prince, in whose 
published memoir, as well as in those of Zenas Caldwell 
and George W. Cole, graduates of earlier years, may be 
found much that is of interest to their successors here. 
We have, however, no season of general religious interest 
to record during the years referred to. Toward their close 
the opposition to President Allen, which has been alluded to, 
became violent. Even Christian men were led, in the excite- 
ment of the hour, to participate in measures unjustifiable 
and extreme ; and the feelings which sometimes gained as- 
cendancy in the College, were unfavorable to the progress of 
religion. 

With the close of this period I reach the limit naturally 
set for the termination of these sketches of the past. When 
the time shall come for a review of later years, and the 
teachers and pupils, respected and beloved, who have given 
me their kind countenance and attention in this attempt to 
gather up the lessons, fast sinking into oblivion, of by-gone 
years, shall have ceased to be actors in these scenes, may it 
be found that we all have been faithful, each in his sphere, 
and according to his ability, to our common Lord I 



70 

Much, doubtless, will enter into that future record, as 
there has into the present, worthy of being held in perpetual 
remembrance as a memorial of God's faithfulness to his ser- 
vants, and as a pledge of his future care. Shortly before his 
death, when the full moon, flooding the earth at the time he 
spoke with peaceful light, walked not more serenely through 
the heavens than his pure and elevated thoughts moved 
along the highway of God's promises and Providence, Presi- 
dent Appleton uttered these words of hopeful trust, " God 
has taken care of the College, and God will take care of it." 
This is the lesson which comes to us from all the years we 
have reviewed. In the faith thus assured, let all who love 
this Seminary pray and strive. To-night we may rejoice 
that God has, in these later years also, shown his continued 
favor ; that he has raised up for the College in the time of 
its need friends, who, from love to the Redeemer of men and 
from a deep conviction of the worth of this institution to his 
church and cause, have contributed generously and largely 
to its general funds, beside permanently endowing a Profes- 
sorship designed to inculcate, as long as the College shall 
endure, those principles of Christian virtue without which 
all our learning is vain, and our Colleges are but poisoned 
fountains. With devout gratitude to God would we also 
recognize the fact, that during the last twenty years the 
standard of morality has gradually advanced ; that customs 
more honored in the breach than observance have fallen into 
disuse ; that no year has passed away without the hopeful 
transition of some one or more from the kingdom of Satan 
to that of God's dear Son ; and that six times, at least, con- 
versions have come in clusters, which, if not large, have been, 
at least, sweet and precious.* Especially would we return 
our heartfelt thanks to God — our God and our fathers' God 
— that during the last few months, — even since we began to- 
gether the review of earlier gracious visitations, — sinners, in 
numbers exceeding even those who professed conversion in 
any of the times of refreshing it has been our privilege to 

* See Appendix F. 



71 

recall, with the exception perhaps of the revival of 1831, 
have acknowledged Jehovah as their God, and Jesus as their 
Redeemer and King. May the coming years show this work 
to have been as clearly of God as were those of earlier 
years, — in its abiding results as hallowed and beneficent I 

In conclusion I would express the hope that this record 
of what God has done for the College, may quicken its friends 
to renewed exertions for the promotion of its highest useful- 
ness and prosperity. We are reminded, my brethren in the 
work of instruction and oversight of those committed to our 
care, that our service is not only a most arduous and respon- 
sible but also a most encouraging and hopeful one. Nowhere, 
it is believed, is effort for the spiritual good of men more abun- 
dantly rewarded, even in its immediate and apparent results, 
than in such a community as that in which it is appointed to 
us to labor. And besides, we are doing foundation work — 
fountain ivork ! Let us remember that our responsibilities 
are equal to our privileges, that we receive from parents their 
most prized jewels, that as teachers lead, precious souls will 
follow. Yet, if I could have their attention, I would endeav- 
or most earnestly to impress upon parents, that the utmost 
fidelity on the part of College Officers will be of little avail 
without the earnest co-operation of those who, normally and 
by Divine appointment, are the educators and guardians of the 
young. Let youth never be sent here to be won from evil 
courses. A College is not a school of reform, nor a house of 
correction. Let those who enter its walls come already in- 
structed in the ways of wisdom, and commissioned to be 
soldiers in the cause of truth, good morals, and religion. Let 
parents never relax the vigilance of their love for their chil- 
dren who are encountering the perils of College life. Let 
them bring their sons, as often as can be done consistently 
with their engagements here, to the home hearth and the 
home altar. Let them be followed, while absent, with home 
letters. Let counsel be added to love, and to counsel, prayer. 

Let me also urge any, who are called to the responsible 
service of electing the teachers who shall bear an important 



72 



part in forming the minds which, in tm-n, are to shape the 
destinies of many others, to seek out and to give their confi- 
dence to those who not only will be capable and efficient in 
their special departments of instruction, but whose whole in- 
fluence will be harmonious and holy. 

Let me beg all Christian people in this village to be kin- 
dred to the youth resident among them, to feel that a high 
trust is committed to them in the opportunity they enjoy of 
influencing, for great good, maturing and imperiled minds. 

Ijet me appeal to all who can appreciate the moral power 
of an institution, fixed and permanent, in which mind is con- 
stantly educating for high position and large influence, to 
seek in every way to surround and fill this Seminary with 
the saving influences of religion. 

And finally let me exhort you, my beloved pupils, the 
students of this College, its hope and pride, to remember 
that its honor and its usefulness are eminently committed 
to your keeping. You may make it either the seat of virtue, 
of generous, manly culture, and of all good learning, — or a 
Temple of Discord, an arena in which petty factions shall 
wage their small and unseemly warfare, — or even a haunt 
of polluting and baneful vice. If you are Christian men, 
be not timid but bold for God. Keep religion in such active 
exercise that it shall control the public sentiment of College. 
Be united, humble, prayerful, watchful, following with closed 
ranks your great Leader. But if you are not openly and con- 
sistently the followers of God, walking in purity and faith and 
love as Christ also walked, think, I pray you, of the history 
you are daily acting ; of the record constantly entering on 
high ; of the days to come ; of regretful, remorseful hours ; 
of the harvest to be reaped according to the seed sown ; of 
the testimony of God, uttered through human experience as 
well as by the voice of inspiration: The fear of the Lord is 
the beginning' of wisdom. He that hath the Son, hath 
life; he that hath not the Son of God, hath not life. 



APPENDIX. 



A. 

Lest this statement make a wrong impression, it should be said, 
that a side-board, furnished as described, was then generally deemed 
indispensable to the exercise of hospitality. In this respect, as in 
others, the social habits of the students were formed by the customs 
of the day. The Temperance Reformation has been of incalculable 
benefit to our literary institutions ; and it has found in them many of 
its earliest and best friends. In 1814, Professor Cleaveland published 
by request an Address delivered before the " Brunswick, Topsham, and 
Harpswell Society for the Suppression of Intemperance," in which he 
took ground in advance of the general public sentiment of the day, ar- 
guing very strongly against even a moderate indulgence in the use of in- 
toxicating drinks, and exposing the pernicious influence, especially upon 
the young, of the use of wine and ardent spirits then common in social 
circles and friendly visits. Pres. Appleton also delivered, in 1816, an Ad- 
dress before the Massachusetts Society for the Suppression of Intempe- 
rance, which was published at the time. He made great exertions to 
banish the evil from College. In the Fall of 1827, a Temperance 
Society was formed in College, which embraced a large proportion of the 
students and operated very happily in encouraging habits of sobriety. 
Extracts from an address pronounced before this Society by G. W. Cole, 
one of its members, are published in his memoir. In looking over 
the files of the Christian Mirror, I noticed the following communication, 
conspicuously printed : "Ought professors of religion in College, who are 
candidates for degrees, to treat on Commencement day, as is usual, with 
rum, gin, brandy, wine, &c." This was printed shortly before the forma- 
tion of the Total Abstinence Society, and illustrates at once the need and 
the existence of a spirit of reform. In 1835, an article was introduced 
10 



74 



into the Constitutlofl of the Circle requiring all its members " to ab- 
stain from all intoxicating liquors, except wine at the Lord's Supper, 
or prescribed by a temperate physician." In 1855, when the Constitu- 
tion was revised, this was struck out as no longer needed. No one can 
compare the present with a past not very remote, without discerning 
signs of progress. Still, much remains to be done. Intemperance is 
yet an evil in College, as elsewhere ; and its extinction should enlist 
the earnest efforts of all who would promote the welfare of those 
exposed to its curse. 

Another reform — one especially needing advocacy — is that which 
would induce the entire disuse of Tobacco. Many more of the young 
men in our Colleges are injuring themselves physically, intellectually, and 
morally, by the use of this noxious weed, than by the use of Ardent 
Spirits. The one, moreover, leads to the other, and to a degrading and 
disgraceful sensualism. More light needs to be shed upon this subject 
in a way to arrest attention. 

"There is another class of sins," to borrow the recent timely words 
of Professor Fisher of Yale College,=^ " which it is to be hoped the 
good sense of young men will before long entirely banish from our 
American Colleges. They are the sins, — duplicity and direct falsehood 
being the worst, — which spring from a fancied diversity of interest be- 
tween the pupil and his instructor. A little reflection in after life com- 
monly exposes the folly of the plea on which these immoralities are jus- 
tified. But the effect of them on the conscience and the character is 
not so easily escaped. He who would respect himself and claim respect 
from others, must make sincerity, integrity — open and upright dealing 
with all men — his first virtue." 

Our College system, though derived largely from the English, has 
escaped many of the faults of the latter ; yet to some extent it has been 
open to the criticism Dr. Arnold passed upon the public schools of his 
own land. " It is certain," he remarks, " that education, like every 
thing else, was not brought to perfection when our great schools were 
first founded. =^ =^ ^ I am afraid that Christian principles were not 
enough brought forward, that lower motives were encouraged, and a 
lower standard altogether suffered to prevail. The system also was too 
much one of fear and outward obedience ; the obedience of the heart 
and the understanding were little thought of. And the consequence 
has been the same in every old school in England, — that boys have 
learnt to regard themselves and their masters as opposite to one another. 



* Note to Centennial Discourse, p. 97. 



75 

as having two distinct interests ; it being the master^s object to lay Otl 
restrictions, and abridge their liberty, while it was their business^ by 
all sorts of means, — combinations amongst themselves, concealment, 
trick, open falsehood, or open disobedience, — 'to baffle his Watchfulness, 
and escape his severity;-—^ ^ a strange and sad state of feeling, 
which must have arisen, I fear, from the habit of keeping out of sight 
the relation in which we both stand, masters and boys alike, to our 
common Master in Heaven, and that it is his service which we all have, 
after our several stations, to laboui' in."=^ 



B. 

A more extended account of President Appleton^s labors Wa3 
deemed unnecessary, in view of his established reputation as a theolo- 
gian, and of the many tributes that have been paid to his memory. 
For a brief sketch of his life and estimate of his character, and also 
of his predecessor. Dr. M'Keen, see Notes to President Allen's Ad- 
dresses; Sprague's Annals, Vol. II, pp. 216, 380; Amer. Quart. Reg., 
1835, Art. Historical Sketch of Bowdoin College. See also Rev. Mr., 
now Dr., Jenks's Eulogy upon President M'Keen, published in 1807; 
Appleton's Addresses, with a sketch of his character by Rev. Dr. 
Nichols ; Appleton's Lectures, with a Memoir by Rev. Dr. Tappan ; 
Appleton's Works in two Vols., with a Memoir by Professor Packard ; 
also Bib. Repository, Jan., 1836, Art. by Rev. Thomas T. Stone ; 
and Lit. and Theol. Rev., Art. by Rev. Dr. Tappan . Most of the 
facts stated in the Discourse are taken from Professor Packard's ex- 
tended and appreciative Memoir. 



C. 

The records of the Theological Society previous to Feb. 18, 1836, 
were destroyed by the fire which consumed Maine Hall. July 13, 
1850, it was voted, chiefly in consequence of the great number of 
other societies which had been introduced, to suspend its operations. 
The Library was intrusted to the care of the Circle, and by the Circle 
was placed in the College Library. It may well be questioned, 
whether the secret associations now existing in the College have con- 
ferred any benefit upon their members at all equivalent to those for- 
merly secured by the more general societies, which they have enfeebled, 
or, as in the case of the Theological Society, supplanted. 

* Arnold's Rugby School Sermons, Araer. Ed. pp. 106, 107. 



I 



76 



D. 



One evidence of increasing spiritual life among the pious students 
is the organization, toward the close of this year, 1814-'15, of a society 
for Prayer. The Preamble and Constitution, as I learn from a volume of 
records not in my possession when the first Discourse was prepared, were 
drawn up by Samuel Johnson, then a member of the Sophomore Class, 
and afterwards successively Pastor of the Congregational churches in 
Alna and Saco, and Secretary of the Me. Missionary Society. They 
were adopted July 22, 1815, — the six professors of religion then mem- 
bers of College, viz., Eodney G-. Dennis, Phineas Pratt, Samuel 
Johnson, Ebenezer Cheever, David Starr et, Joseph Walker, — sub- 
scribing their names. The Preamble reads thus : 

" In consideration of the alarming prevalence of wickedness in 
this institution and a lamentable indifference to the things of religion ; 
believing that a change in the conduct and hearts of the students can 
be effected in no other way but by an effusion of divine influences, 
and also believing the promise of God that He will answer the requests 
of those who call upon Him in spirit and in truth ; we, whose names 
are recorded toward the end of this book, do form ourselves into a 
society by the name of The Praying Society of Boiudoin College^ — 
and adopt the following Articles," &c. 

In the seventh Art. the object of the society is stated to be, " to 
pray for the influences of Divine Grrace upon ourselves, upon this 
institution, and upon the world at large " The fifth Art. prescribes 
the qualifications for membership, — requiring " charitable " evidence 
of being a " real Christian," and a statement from each candidate, at 
the time of admission, of the " reason of his hope " and of his " assent 
to the fundamental doctrines of the Gospel." The sixth Art. appoints 
the time of holding meetings, viz., " Sabbath morning immediately 
after the ringing of the first bell for public worship." To this was 
added, August 14th, as a regular meeting, the Monthly Missionary 
Concert. 

The Constitution was revised in 1827, and made more simple and 
precise. In 1835, it was considerably enlarged, with the design of 
making it more effective. The number of Articles was increased from 
eight to twenty. Most of the Articles which were added treat either 
of the duties of Officers or of offences and censures. One Article 
establishes a fast on the third week of each term. In 1855, further 
changes were made. I will add the leading Articles of the present 
Constitution, adopted May 25, 1855. 



11 



" Preamble. Sensible of the infinite obligations we are under to God, as 
disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, to live to his honor and glory, feel- 
ing our need of divine assistance and the importance of Christian union 
and fellowship ; and believing, as we do, the promises of our Heavenly 
Father that He ever hears the prayers of his children when oft'ered in 
faith — We, as Christian brethren, loving one another as Christ loved 
us, form ourselves into an association, and adopt the following Con- 
stitution. 

" Art. 1st. This association shall be called the ' Praying Circle of 
Bowdoin College.' 

" Art. 2d. The object of this association shall be the mutual edifi- 
cation of its members, the promotion of vital godliness in the College, 
and prayer for the universal spread of the Grospel. 

" Art. 3d. The Officers of this association shall be a President, 
Vice President, Secretary, and Standing Committee, to be chosen an- 
nually, by ballot, on the Saturday preceding the Senior examination. 

" Art. 7th. Any person, who believes the fundamental doctrines of 
the Bible, and gives satisfactory evidence of a change of heart, may, 
by a unanimous vote of the members, be admitted to the Circle ; but 
in all cases such persons shall be proposed at least one week before 
they are elected, 

"Art. 11th. If any member shall conduct in a manner incon- 
sistent with Christian character, he shall be dealt with according to 
the directions of our Saviour in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew." 

The whole number of members admitted to the Circle exceeds five 
hundred. Of these, about seventy-five are now members of College. 
It is exceedingly desirable that all who come within the provisions of 
the seventh Article should without delay unite with this Society, and 
labor to promote its prosperity and usefulness. It is the only visible 
organization within the College of the professed friends and followers 
of the Redeemer, and bears, in many respects, the same relations to 
the community around it which the church sustains to the world. 

Beside morning and evening prayers at the Chapel, the ordinary re- 
ligiou^i services observed in the College, are, a general prayer meeting 
Sabbath morning and also Thursday noon. Class prayer meetings on Tues- 
day evening of each week, and a religious lecture on alternate Saturday 
evenings. With the exception of those designed for members of the same 
Class, these meetings are held at present in the Senior Recitation Room, 
and are open to all who may desire to attend. One of the most pressing 
wants of the College is a building which shall afford suitable accommo- 
dations for such meetings. 



78 



E. 



The account given in tke third Discourse of the closing days of Pro- 
fessor Newman's life is taken from a much fuller one, originally pub- 
lished in the Christian Mirror of March 10, 1842, and extensively 
copied into the religious journals of our land. In introducing it to 
his readers, the Editor, He v. Dr. Cummings, remarks, after alluding 
to his own interest in it from his personal knowledge of Mr. N. from 
early youth : " The peculiar traits of his mind give a great value to his 
avowals in favor of the cardinal doctrines of the gospel, and their 
fitness to recover lost man, however distinguished for talents and in- 
tellectual cultivation, and make him happy in death. It is his crown- 
ing excellence, that he received the kingdom of God as a little child. 
^ # ^ We could expatiate, with great personal interest, on the inci- 
dents and characteristics, which distinguished him ; but we must, at 
present, waive the privilege. There is a very just view of his more 
prominent qualities, chiefly as a literary man, in Monday's Advertiser, 
as far as it goes ; it was necessarily brief. If the writer had been in 
our post of observation, he would have mentioned among his productions, 
the address before one of the College Societies, the theme of which was 
' The Self-made Man.' We hardly know the production, of equal ex- 
tent, which has produced so wide-spread an effect. It was one of those 
happy conceptions, which seize upon a community with electrical power, 
and great practical effect. It has hardly ceased to be quoted yet, though 
it is many years since it was published. We have been accustomed to 
trace to it many of the most interesting developments of the last ten or 
a dozen years, among mechanics, and young men in the common walks 
of life, and which have been witnessed in their efforts to inform their 
minds and extend their knowledge." 

A few extracts from the communication in the Portland Advertiser, 
referred to above, written by one long Mr. N's. associate in the College 
Faculty, will enable those personally unacquainted with Prof. N. better 
to appreciate the significance of his religious experience as stated in the 
Discourse. 

" Prof. Newman was a most valuable officer of instruction and gov- 
ernment ; ever faithful, self-denying, prompt and firm in the discharge 
of duty, prudent and sagacious, and enjoying the confidence alike of his 
pupils and of his associates. For nearly three years he discharged the 
duties of President with ability and success, and to no one probably of 
its Professors is the College more indebted for any reputation it may 
have had for thorough instruction or good discipline. 



79 

»' The field of labor, to which Prof. Newman was introduced, particu- 
larly as a Professor of Rhetoric and Oratory and an Instructor in Po- 
litical Economy, was sufficient to engross his time and talent. As an 
earnest of his diligence and success, the writer may refer to his works 
on Rhetoric and on Political Economy, designed as text-books for his 
classes, the former of which has passed through several editions in this 
country, has been re-published in England, and is a highly valuable con- 
tribution to this department of instruction, as well as creditable to our 
literature. "^^ ^ =^ As a critic, he was discriminating, of pure taste, well 
versed in the laws of English composition, and apt in the application of 
them. In all his relations to the College, indeed, he was of a ready ap- 
prehension, a perspicacious, able teacher, a wise counsellor and a valu- 
able friend. 

"The tendencies of his mind were philosophical, though not speculative. 
The writer speaks of what he knows when he affirms, that Mr. Newman 
was never satisfied with superficial or indefinite views. He was not of 
that number who gather up scraps of knowledge. Hence he was not 
discursive in his reading. He sought for principles. He investigated 
patiently and thoroughly ; and was not contented unless he had some 
important subject on hand for such investigation. He loved to think 
and to discourse. He was honest, eminently so, in his search after truth. 
He was fond of simple and at the same time comprehensive views." 



F. 

After stating, in answer to a letter of inquiry, his impressions 
respecting the religious state of the College while himself a member of 
it, and when he left it in 1825, Prof. Stowe adds the following testi- 
mony to the progress which has been made. Those who have labored 
faithfully in the service of the College during the period referred to, 
should feel that they have not toiled here in vain. 

" When I returned in 1850," remarks Prof S., " after an absence 
of a quarter of a century, though the same men with but two ex- 
ceptions ( Pres. Allen and Prof. Newman ) were in the College 
Faculty, and with a proportional personal change in the two Boards not 
much greater, the contrast in point of religious character and efficiency 
was immense. Few, I suppose, were in circumstances to realize it as 
I did ; but to me the whole religious atmosphere of the place was as 
diff'erent from what it had been twenty-five years before, as June is 
from November. It was perfectly delightful to me; and though exceed- 
ingly depressed in health, I never had a more uniform religious enjoy- 



80 

ment than while I was in Brunswick during the years 1850, '51,' and 
'52. If the religious character of the College gains as much from the 
year 1850 to '75 as it did from 1825 to '50, it will be all that the 
most ardent friends of the Lord Jesus can reasonably hope for before 
the millennium. There is indeed very much to be done, much that is 
deficient, much to mourn over, but I am merely bringing 1825, 1850, 
and 1875 into immediate contiguity for the sake of comparison." 

Prof. Stowe resigned his office as Collins Professor in 1852 and 
removed to the Theological Seminary at Andover. He was succeeded 
by Rev. Roswell D. Hitchcock, now Professor of History in the Union 
Theological Seminary, N. Y., who filled the office three years. Their 
efl'orts to awaken among the students an interest in the Scriptures, and to 
organize and increase the Christian life of College, were very success- 
ful, and are gratefully remembered by their pupils and colleagues here. 
If the better state of things to which Prof. S. points shall be attained, 
much credit will be due to his own labors and to those of his successor. 



a. 

The following table will serve to illustrate, it is thought, some of 
the statements made in the Discourses. The last period, it should be 
remarked, is so recent, that probably there will yet be additions to the 
number of ministers it affiDrds. 

No.Yrs. From To No. G-raduates. No. Ministers. Percentage. 



5 


1806—1810 


33 


7' 


21.21 


5 


1811—1815 


41 


4 


09.75 


5 


1816 1820 


61 


15 


24.59 


5 


1821—1825 


128 


23 


17.96 


5 


1826 1830 


132 


28 


21.21 


5 


1831—1835 


138 


50 


36.23 


5 


1836—1840 


154 


47 


30 51 


5 


1841—1845 


194 


39 


20.10 


5 


1846—1850 


151 


27 


17.80 



45 1032 240 23.25— 

average percentage. 



\ 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS % 

029 918 293 9 



i\ 



